Sky: ‘Talks have taken place’ between Utd and player hailed as ‘the best defender in Germany’ by Arne Slot

Stretty News

·03 de maio de 2025

Sky: ‘Talks have taken place’ between Utd and player hailed as ‘the best defender in Germany’ by Arne Slot

Manchester United’s priority heading into the transfer is undoubtedly the frontline – but’s that not to say Ruben Amorim’s options won’t be bolstered across the board.

For starters, the fact he’ll have his defensive contingent cut short by two players, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, due to their contracts expiring, meaning reinforcements will be imperative at the back.

Vídeos OneFootball

Harry Maguire saw his one-year option activated at the start of the year, ensuring he’ll stay tied to Old Trafford until at least June 2026. From there, it remains to be seen if United will look to part ways with the in-form Englishman.

INEOS set sights on Bundesliga stalwart Jonathan Tah

Nonetheless, INEOS does have one cut-price option in mind in the build-up to the window opening. According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils have ‘entered the race’ for Bayer Leverkusen colossus Jonathan Tah.

The 29-year-old, whom Arne Slot hailed as ‘the best defender in Germany’ earlier this season, is garnering widespread interest after entering the final two months of his contract with the reigning Bundesliga champions.

Tah was integral to the side completing an emphatic invincible campaign in 2023/2024, during which they conceded only 24 goals.

Tah isn’t short of suitors this summer

Tah has become one of Alonso’s most trusted lieutenants. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Plettenberg adds that ‘talks with his management have taken place’. However, United face stern competition from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Barcelona reached a verbal agreement with Tah in April but are yet to finalise a deal that’ll see him join Hansi Flick’s ranks in the coming months. What could jeopardise the Blaugrana’s pursuit is that the German international holds an incredibly strong relationship with current coach Xabi Alonso, who’s expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu when he takes over the Brazil job.

Realistically, both Tah and Alonso could swap Leverkusen for Madrid and try to replicate their previous triumphs with the European giants in the Spanish capital.