In what promises to be one of the most dramatic transfer sagas of the summer, former Real Madrid legend and current Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to shake up the plans of both Barcelona and his German rivals by attempting to bring Jonathan Tah to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be the busiest in over a decade for Real Madrid, both in terms of players coming in and those heading out. The club’s ongoing battle with injuries—particularly in their defensive ranks—has forced the hierarchy to rethink their transfer strategy. Now, all eyes are on Jonathan Tah, the powerful Bayer Leverkusen center-back whose contract is due to expire on June 30.
Barcelona had been leading the race to sign the 29-year-old German international on a free transfer, and reports from earlier this year indicated that an informal agreement had been reached between the player’s camp and the Catalan giants. However, delays in sealing the deal—largely caused by Financial Fair Play (FFP) complications—have left the door wide open for hijackers.
Enter Xabi Alonso, the midfield maestro turned managerial prodigy, who has reportedly identified Tah as a priority target should he be appointed Real Madrid’s head coach following Carlo Ancelotti’s expected departure. The Spanish tactician has enjoyed a remarkable rise with Bayer Leverkusen and is now in the running to lead Los Blancos into a new era.
With his in-depth knowledge of Tah’s strengths, Alonso sees the defender not just as a stopgap option but as a foundational piece in Real Madrid’s rebuilding project. Injuries to David Alaba and Éder Militão have left gaping holes in the defense this season, and Alonso is eager to bring in a player he knows well and can rely upon.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Alonso has already held informal discussions with Real Madrid executives, outlining his vision for the squad—and Tah features prominently in those plans. His proposal is seen as a direct challenge not only to Barcelona but also to Real Madrid’s current sporting direction under Ancelotti.
Adding to the tension, Bayern Munich has re-entered the frame. The Bavarian giants previously failed to land Tah in the 2024 summer window but are now keen to revisit negotiations. Bayern’s defense also needs rejuvenation following the departures of key players and mixed performances from new signings.
Manchester United, too, are reportedly monitoring Tah’s situation closely. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, the Red Devils see the Leverkusen man as a possible solution to their own defensive inconsistencies.
Barcelona, meanwhile, remain hopeful of finalizing their agreement with Tah, but their hands are tied. La Liga’s financial oversight body has reportedly blocked multiple registrations in recent months, and the club’s wage structure is already under severe pressure. The longer they delay, the more likely it becomes that rivals will steal in.
What makes this saga particularly intriguing is the personal dimension. Alonso and Hansi Flick—the new Barcelona boss—were teammates in Germany and have both risen through the managerial ranks with high expectations. Flick is said to be counting on the Tah deal as a key component of his early Barcelona project.
Should Alonso succeed in not only landing the Real Madrid job but also snatching Tah from under Flick’s nose, it would be seen as a major personal and professional coup. It would also deepen the growing rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the transfer market—an area where Los Blancos have recently taken the lead, thanks to early deals for young stars like Endrick and Arda Güler.
The drama is far from over. Tah himself is believed to be open to all options, including staying in Germany, but the chance to join a European superclub—especially one led by a coach he respects—could prove irresistible.
Alonso’s vision for Real Madrid includes building a more robust and dynamic backline, and Tah fits that profile. Tall, athletic, and experienced in both the Bundesliga and European competitions, the German defender has matured into one of the continent’s most consistent performers.
Should Real Madrid pull off this transfer, it would not only solve a key issue in their squad but also send a strong message to their domestic and continental rivals. It would show that the club is serious about ushering in a new era under Alonso—one built on strategy, familiarity, and strength.
Barcelona will now be forced to act quickly. With several other targets already slipping through their fingers, they cannot afford to lose Tah as well. Flick has emphasized the need to strengthen his defense this summer, and missing out on a player they’ve worked on for months would be a bitter blow.
As negotiations enter a critical phase, one thing is clear: this transfer story has all the ingredients—top clubs, managerial rivalries, expiring contracts, and high-stakes strategy. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United are all on high alert.
The final decision may ultimately rest with Tah himself. But if Alonso gets his way, the German defender could be donning the white shirt of Real Madrid next season—and Barcelona’s summer plans will be dealt a major blow
