Barcelona defensive target 'edges closer' to free transfer exit

Barcelona are reportedly targeting defensive reinforcements in 2025 as Hansi Flick looks to add experience to his back line.

The former Bayern Munich boss is unlikely to make any significant moves in the January transfer window but he is already looking ahead to the 2025/26 campaign.

Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde look set in place as long-term options, but with doubts of Inigo Martinez's future and transfer links over Ronald Araujo, Flick is on the lookout for a new central defender.

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That has opened up a potential vacancy in his squad with Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah a firmly reported option.

Tah has established himself as a fans favourite in Leverkusen, with 2024/25 his tenth season at the BayArena, with 370 appearances racked up for the club.

However, despite playing a crucial role in their first-ever Bundesliga title win in 2023/24, the German international is assessing his options, with his contract expiring at the end of the current campaign.

Uncertainty over Xabi Alonso's future has added to the uncertainty over Tah being convinced to stay and Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg has indicated the 28-year-old will not sign an extension.

Tah is eligible to start free transfer talks from the start of 2025 but a move cannot be completed until June.

Plettenberg's report indicates Barcelona and Bayern Munich are his two preferred options and Flick will hope to beat his former side in the race to offer Tah a fresh start outside the Bundesliga.