Real Madrid wants to steal Barcelona’s transfer target – report | OneFootball

Jonathan Tah was one of Barcelona’s key defensive targets during the summer transfer window. However, the club were not able to sanction a move due to economic challenges.

Despite missing out, though, Barcelona have maintained interest in Tah, knowing his contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires at the end of the season.

Real Madrid to compete with Barcelona for Tah

However, as per Fichajes, Barcelona are set to face fresh competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign Jonathan Tah.

As per the report, Real Madrid have taken note of Tah’s situation at Leverkusen and are willing to take advantage of a market opportunity, should the player fail to reach an agreement with the German club over a new contract.

The urgency to sign a new centre-back has been exacerbated following Dani Carvajal’s long-term injury, which may force Carlo Ancelotti to employ Eder Militao in a wide role.

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Jonathan Tah (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

With limited options at the back, it will be imperative for Real Madrid to bring in fresh faces and Tah, to that end, appears to be an ideal target.

In addition to Real Madrid, Barcelona are expected to face competition from numerous Premier League clubs, including West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool, among others.

Do Barcelona need a new centre-back?

The combination of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez has worked out extremely well for Barcelona this season, with the club notably leading Europe in terms of offside traps used.

Moreover, Barcelona have a few more defenders in the bank, including Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.

That said, Garcia, Araujo and Christensen are all facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou, whereas Martinez is already in the final phase of his career.

Keeping that in mind, Barcelona could use the services of Jonathan Tah, who can offer both experience and leadership at the back – potentially emerging as a long-term defensive partner for Cubarsi.