Barcelona closing in on first summer free transfer

Barcelona are expected to finalise a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, numerous reports have revealed.

Tah is entering the final six months of his contract and made it clear during the summer that he would not be signing an extension, with Leverkusen ultimately declining to sell and instead accepting his departure on a free transfer in 2025.

A number of clubs have looked at the Bundesliga title winner but Barcelona, who are still prioritising free transfers while they address their financial situation, have moved ahead in the race for Tah's signature.

SPORT were first to report on Barcelona's optimism. A three-year contract, with the option for a fourth, has been informally proposed to Tah, who will be able to hold negotiations with interested sides in January. While he has not yet committed to moving to Camp Nou, there is significant confidence that a deal could be wrapped up in the coming weeks.

Taking things one step further, Mundo Deportivo state Tah has already decided to join Barcelona. This second report discusses a five-year contract for the 28-year-old, who is admired by both manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

With Tah's signature all but wrapped up, AS add Barcelona are now opening the door to a potential departure for Ronald Araujo. It was reported recently that the centre-back has been issued with an ultimatum, warning him he will be sold in the summer if he does not extend his contract before June.

While Barcelona still want to keep Araujo, they see Tah's impending arrival as a safety net in defence and will no longer panic about the Uruguay international's future.

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