Barcelona interest in German centre-back could mean departure of star valued at €70m – report

Barcelona’s pursuit of Jonathan Tah could have a significant impact on their squad, particularly regarding Ronald Araujo’s future at the club, reports Fichajes.

According to the media, the Catalan club is making great strides in negotiations to offer the German central defender a free transfer next summer.

Tah, whose contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires in 2024, has become a top target for Barcelona, ​​and his arrival could trigger a major change in the team’s defensive formation.

Problem for Araujo

Araujo, who has been a key figure in Barcelona’s defense in recent seasons, could be sold to help ease the club’s financial woes.

The expected transfer fee for the Uruguayan defender is said to be between 70 and 80 million euros. This sale would not only improve Barcelona’s finances, but also create room in the payroll for the arrival of Tah.

Barcelona are said to be in a strong position to sign the 27-year-old German, with several other top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, also interested in securing his services.

Although Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has publicly downplayed the club’s progress in negotiations, the deal appears to be moving forward.

Strategic signing for Barcelona

Barcelona see this as a strategic opportunity to strengthen their defense without spending large sums of money, given Tah’s availability on a free transfer.

This is in line with Barcelona’s increasing focus on signing players available on free transfers in order to reduce costs.

Araujo, on the other hand, did not play a single match under Hansi Flick due to injury. As a result, Flick is open to Araujo leaving if it brings in Tah, who is seen as an important addition to the team.

Araujo has also attracted interest from big clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, which could help facilitate a high-value transfer.

Tah’s potential signing would mark another step in Barcelona’s growing reliance on the free agent market to strengthen their squad.

With his decision not expected until 2025, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Barcelona’s defensive setup.

*Rating of current player obtained from transfermarkt.com as of publication date.