Bayern Munich have signed defender Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
The centre-back has joined on a deal until June 2029, bolstering Bayern’s options in the middle of defence following the departure of Eric Dier to Monaco.
Kim Min-jae struggled with an Achilles injury towards the end of this season, while Dayot Upamecano also had issues with fitness at several points in the 2024-25 campaign.
With speculation Bayern could look to move on from Kim, Tah gives Bayern an experienced and reliable presence at centre-back. Tah has missed just five Bundesliga games in the last four seasons.
A member of the Leverkusen side who went unbeaten across the entirety of the 2023-24 Bundesliga season en route to a double that also saw them win the DFB-Pokal, Tah is relishing the chance to add more titles with German football’s dominant force.
“I’m very happy to be at FC Bayern,” Tah told the club’s official website.
“I want to take on responsibility here and work hard every day so that we’re successful as a team and win lots of trophies together.”
𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘀. 🔥#ServusJona pic.twitter.com/kDKe4SYkJR
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) May 29, 2025
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dressen pointed to Tah’s dependability as a key factor behind the move.
“We’re delighted to welcome Jonathan Tah to FC Bayern,” Dressen said. “As an experienced international and leader, he brings the consistency and quality that will strengthen our defence.
“He’s a real gain for us – and he’s also proven that he can win titles.”
Sporting director Christoph Freund echoed those sentiments, adding: “In Jonathan Tah we’ve acquired a player with international experience and quality, who won’t need much time to establish himself in our defence.
“He’ll be a good and important addition for us with his technical qualities as well as his manner and the way he leads.”
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United had all been credited with an interest in Tah, who will instead now travel with Bayern for the inaugural edition of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
Tah could make his debut against Auckland City on June 15.
“It’s no secret that we’ve had Jonathan Tah on our radar for a long time,” board member for sport Max Eberl said.
“We appreciate his quality: he’s a character who takes on responsibility. Jonathan had a lot of offers but chose FC Bayern, which pleases us very much.”
