Jonathan Tah, a 28-year-old centre-back, has made it clear that this season will be his last with Leverkusen.
Germany international Jonathan Tah confirmed to German outlet Suddeutsche Zeitung on Friday that he will not be extending his contract with Leverkusen, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2025.
Tah was linked with a move to Bayern Munich over the summer, but the Bavarians ultimately decided against signing the 28-year-old amid a heated exchange between Leverkusen CEO Fernando Caro and Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl.
Before Tah confirmed to the media that he would not extend his contract with Leverkusen, he explained the reasons why he wanted to leave the team, saying: ‘I have been with Leverkusen for 9 years. I have been through ups and downs here and the highlight was the last great season where we won almost everything. It couldn’t be better. ‘
‘And that’s why I think if I extend my contract with Leverkusen now, at 28, it means I will play here until my early or mid-30s.’
‘A football career is short and that’s why I always think about doing my best. I just want to make the most of my career and in the summer I felt it was the right time to look for something new. After a very successful season, I did what any player can do – communicate my desires clearly and openly. ‘
‘But at that time. The player is no longer eligible and the club has to come to an agreement and sometimes things get tense. There are rumours, speculation and in the end the player suffers. We the players are doing well, don’t get me wrong. But in a situation like that, you have to rely on the players and you can’t control anything anymore. There were other offers, not just from Bayern. ‘
‘I like playing for Leverkusen, but I want everything to be as rational as possible and not too emotional.’
Then Tah also confirmed to the media that this will be his last season with Leverkusen, saying: ‘No, my decision is clear as before. I will not renew my contract. For professional reasons, as I have already said. I have a contract until 2025 and until then I will give everything for Leverkusen. ‘
Asked if he would be สมัคร ufabet joining Bayern Munich next summer, Tah replied: ‘That’s a good question (laughs). We’ll have to wait and see. I’m not really thinking about it. I still have one more season with Bayer Leverkusen. ‘