Barcelona's financial position means they have to take advantage of any market opportunities that arises should they wish to strengthen their squad for next season.
That's something they've reportedly done as a report out of Spain has claimed that Deco traveled to Leverkusen and met Bayer Leverkusen center-back Jonathan Tah and his agent with the meeting having gone well. While a deal wasn't reached, talks were positive between the two sides.
💣 EXCLUSIVA @JijantesFC 💣
— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) December 5, 2024
Deco ha viajado este mediodía a LEVERKUSEN y se ha reunido con Jonathan Tah y su agente en un restaurante de la ciudad.
Ambas partes quedan MUY satisfechas con la reunión de hoy. Llegaría libre en verano.
✍️@monfortcarlos
🔗https://t.co/GhhDOB1acu pic.twitter.com/W6wG0qaAr9
Tah was rumored with an exit from Leverkusen before the start of the season with the player reluctant to sign a new deal with the German champions. Barcelona were linked with him then but made no offers as the Catalan side were focused on registering their players.
The 28-year-old has been a key figure in Xabi Alonso's side and would represent an upgrade in the Barcelona back-line.
At the moment, Barcelona only count on Pau Cubarsi and Iñigo Martínez given the injuries to Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo. With Jules Kounde excelling at right-back, Barcelona lack options in the middle of defense.
Looking ahead to next season, should Barcelona side Tah then it likely means the exit of at least one defender. Eric Garcia is the likeliest to leave with his lack of minutes and with the fact he's been used as a pivot when he has played this season. Christensen arrived on a free and could get a significant fee for the Dane. The same could be said for Araujo who the club has been trying to extend but a deal has yet to be reached.
It may not be a complete surprise that Tah is leaning towards Barcelona instead of a side like Bayern Munich. Tah is represented by Pini Zahivi who also represents Hansi Flick and Robert Lewandowski. There already exists a relationship between the agent and Barcelona, making negotiations somewhat easier.
Aside from Martínez, the rest of the Barcelona defense is relatively young. Should they get the Tah signing over the line down the road, it would bring more experience and more options to a side who has been muddled by injuries the last few season.