Bayern Munich have officially completed the signing of German international defender Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer, the Bundesliga champions confirmed on Thursday. The 29-year-old centre-back has committed to a four-year contract that will keep him at the Allianz Arena until 2029.
Tah, who spent a decade with Leverkusen, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Bayern. “I’m very happy to be at Bayern. I want to take on responsibility here and work hard every day so that we’re successful as a team and win lots of trophies together,” he said in a club statement.
During his time at Leverkusen, Tah was instrumental in the club’s historic unbeaten league and cup double in the 2023-24 season. Despite his long tenure, the defender had informed Leverkusen that he would not renew his contract beyond 2025, prompting a heartfelt farewell at his final home game in May.
Bayern’s interest in Tah dates back to the summer of 2024 when he had one year left on his contract. However, the Bavarians declined to meet Leverkusen’s asking price at that time. The need for a new centre-back became urgent after Eric Dier’s departure to Ligue 1 side Monaco at the end of the season.
Sporting director Christoph Freund highlighted Tah’s qualities, saying, “In Jonathan Tah we’ve acquired a player with international experience and quality, who won’t need much time to establish himself in our defence. He’ll be a good and important addition for us with his technical qualities as well as his manner and the way he leads.”
The Hamburg-born defender has been a regular fixture in the Germany national team since his debut in 2016, earning 35 caps. He has solidified his place at the heart of the national defence, starting nearly every international match he was available for since September 2023.
Tah is also part of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad preparing for the Nations League finals next month. Bayern will host Portugal in the semi-finals on June 4, with the winner advancing to face either France or Spain in the final at the Allianz Arena three days later.
In related transfer news, Bayern also pursued Tah’s Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz, but the talented midfielder now appears set to join Liverpool, with Leverkusen confirming “concrete interest” from the Premier League champions.
