Barcelona told to pay $33.5 million to land star Bayer Leverkusen defender before transfer deadline

Barcelona have reportedly been told they must pay €30 million ($33.5 million) if they are to land star Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

Despite financial difficulties that have prevented them from registering new signing Dani Olmo , the Catalans continue to be linked with transfers ahead of this week's deadline.

One area the club are thought to wish to strengthen is the centre of defence. Ronald Araujo is sidelined with a long-term injury, while Andreas Christensen is also out of action. With Clement Lenglet loaned to Atletico Madrid and Mikayil Faye sold to Rennes, both of which were deals to ease their financial constraints, Barca have found themselves limited in terms of centre-back options.

New coach Hansi Flick oversaw 2-1 wins against Valencia and Athletic Bilbao to start the 2024/25 La Liga season, with youngster Pau Cubarsi partnering Inigo Martinez for both games, but the German boss would prefer to have another option at his disposal.

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Tah has shone for Leverkusen in recent seasons and played 48 times in all competitions in 2023/24 as Xabi Alonso's team enjoyed a stunning campaign, winning the German domestic double without losing a match and reaching the final of the UEFA Europa League, where they were defeated by Atalanta.

Yet the 28-year-old has, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky in Germany, told Leverkusen that he will not sign a new contract. That means he must leave in the final days of this window if the club is to avoid the risk of losing him for free in 2025.

Plettenberg said Barca and Bayern Munich have both expressed interest in the player, but Leverkusen are demanding €30m ($33.5m). Such a fee, although relatively modest for a Germany international in the prime of his career, could be beyond the Catalans' means — unless they can raise further cash through player sales.

The coming days will be critical to Barca's plans.