(Photo by A. Scheuber/FC Bayern via Getty Images) FC Bayern via Getty Images
CSmith1919 Chuck Smith is the site manager for Bavarian Football Works, where he began writing in 2017. He is the author of The Daily Schmankerl, the longest-running daily Bayern Munich column in English, and also writes The Weekend Warm-Up. In addition to covering Bayern Munich news and providing commentary on Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga, and the German national team. He brings more than 30 years of sports-writing experience to the site. Over the course of his career, he has written for numerous newspapers and websites.
FC Barcelona is looking for defensive reinforcements, and Jonathan Tah has reportedly emerged as a potential target. However, if the Catalan club is hoping to lure the Bayern Munich center back away in January, it might want to start making other plans.
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), FC Barcelona has made an inquiry about Tah with a view toward a possible winter transfer. Sporting director Deco is searching for an experienced defender who could partner with young Pau Cubarsí, and the 29-year-old Bayern Munich defender appears to fit that profile.
There is certainly a connection worth monitoring. Tah’s agent, Pini Zahavi, maintains an excellent relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, potentially giving the Spanish club a useful line of communication should it decide to pursue the defender more seriously.
Unfortunately for Barcelona, the player’s own position appears considerably less encouraging. Tah is reportedly happy at Bayern Munich and is currently not considering a departure. A January transfer is therefore viewed as highly unlikely.
That should not come as a surprise. Tah joined Bayern Munich to compete at the highest level, and he remains an important part of Vincent Kompany’s defensive options. Walking away midway through theseason would hardly make sense unless circumstances changed significantly.
Barcelona can certainly ask the question, and Zahavi’s connections might help keep communication open. But unless Tah has a sudden change of heart, Deco may need to look elsewhere forhis experienced defensive partner for Cubarsí.
For now, Bayern Munich has little reason to worry.
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