Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah has put a host of Europe’s top clubs on red alert after confirming this season would be his last with the club.
The 28-year-old had been heavily linked to an exit from the defending Bundesliga champions in the summer window, with German giants Bayern Munich showing plenty of interest.
However, a move failed to materialise as Tah ultimately stayed put with the club.
Yet it now looks to be a matter of time before he does depart, with Tah explaining his reasons for wanting to seek pastures now.
In an interview with German outlet Suddeutsche Zeitung, the defender pointed to Leverkusen’s thrilling unbeaten domestic season as a key reason why he felt it was the right time to leave.
Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah declared this would be his last season at the German club
Tah has been a key defender under Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in their ‘Invincibles’ season
‘I’ve been in Leverkusen for nine years, I experienced all the ups and downs here and the highlight was the fantastic last season in which we won almost everything,’ Tah said.
‘It couldn’t have been better. And that’s why I thought: If I extend my contract in Leverkusen now, at 28, that means that I will play here until my early to mid-thirties.
‘A football career is short, and that’s why it has always been my idea to get everything possible out of it. I simply want to exploit the potential that lies ahead in my career.
‘And in the summer I had the feeling that now is the moment to look at something new – right now, after this extremely successful season I did what a player can do: communicate my wishes clearly and openly.’
Tah also revealed it was not just Bayern who had come in with an offer for his services, either.
He later doubled down on his plans for next season.
‘No, my decision is just as clear as it was before,’ Tah said.
‘I will not extend my contract – for the career reasons I mentioned before. I still have a contract until 2025, and until then I will give everything for Leverkusen.’
Tah captained Leverkusen in the Europa League as they made it all the way to the final
The 28-year old started at centre-back for Germany in four out of their five games at Euro 2024
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany attempted to sign Tah in the summer and could try again
And when pressed on whether a move to Bayern was in the offing, Tah responded: ‘Good question. We’ll see. I’m not really thing about that yet, I’ve got a season with Bayer Leverkusen ahead of me.’
Tah moved to Leverkusen in July 2015 and has gone on to make 350 appearances for the club.
He played a key role in Leverkusen’s stunning Bundesliga triumph last season, featuring 31 times as the club enjoyed an unbeaten domestic campaign under Xabi Alonso.
Tah also starred in Leverkusen’s run to the DFB-Pokal final in the 23-24 campaign where they beat Kaiserslautern 1-0 in the final.
Leverkusen also reached the Europa League final, but suffered defeat to Italian side Atalanta.
The 28-year-old started four of Germany’s five games at Euro 2024, missing the Round of 16 clash against Denmark through suspension due to yellow cards accumulated.