Report: Tottenham and Chelsea both made an approach for Bundesliga defender

A report from Germany claims both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea already tried to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah during the January transfer window, and that a move in the summer would be welcomed by the player’s former club, Hamburg, who would earn a bonus if he is sold.

Jonathan Tah has long been a wanted man across Europe. The German centre-half has been with Bayer Leverkusen since 2015, but it appears his time in the Bundesliga may be coming to an end.

Last summer, Tah had a release clause active worth €20m (£17.1m), but that clause expired meaning clubs would have to negotiate a fee with Leverkusen (Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger 11/07/23 – as relayed by BuliNews).

It is thought the player is keen on a move to the Premier League, with Tottenham known to be long-term admirers (90Min).

Spurs now have Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Radu Dragusin at their disposal, but it is believed the Lilywhites still want to sign one more centre-half.

And, according to (BILD Sport via Sport Witness), that interest in Tah has not gone away, with another release clause thought to be at play. That report claimed Tottenham had a ‘great chance’ of signing Tah if they can qualify for the Champions League.

Spurs and Chelsea came knocking for Jonathan Tah

The same outlet is discussing Tah again (via Sport Witness), with a claim that both Spurs and Chelsea have already “knocked” on the door for Tah in January, and may do so again this summer.

Apparently, one club that would welcome the move is Hamburg, Tah’s former club, who would receive 10% of the profit from any sale.

The original transfer for Tah cost €7.5m in 2015, and Hamburg have already received €1.5m in bonuses based on Bayer Leverkusen qualifying for the Champions League on three occasions (€500k per season). Hamburg should get another payment at the end of the season based on the Bundesliga table.

Still, Hamburg will be hoping Tah changes clubs this summer, and the report suggests it is definitely possible that he will be sold. Already, both Tottenham and Chelsea have kickstarted their efforts to sign the 28-year-old.

Spurs Web Opinion

I like Jonathan Tah a lot. He’s experienced, assured in possession, and a big physical presence. He’s clearly ready to move on, and wouldn’t cost the world to sign. I would imagine we can easily beat Chelsea to the signing, too.

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