Bayern Munich Inaugurates Jonathan Tah's Arrival From Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern Munich strengthened their defenses ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup by announcing the recruitment of Germany's center-back Jonathan Tah from Bundesliga rival Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Bayern have been chasing Tah for more than a year after failing to sign him last summer, when he refused to extend his contract at Leverkusen after the 2024/2025 season.

He is Leverkusen's longest outfield player after spending a decade at the club and is an important part of the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal unbeaten by 2023/2024.

The 29-year-old has moved to Munich on a free transfer and has been awarded a contract until 30 June 2029. The centre-back will wear the number 4 jersey for the German champion.

"We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan Tah at FC Bayern. As an experienced international player and leader, he presents consistency and quality that will strengthen our defense."

"He is truly a gift for us. He has also proven that he can win the title," said Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of Bayern Munich.

Christoph Freund, Director of Sports Bayern Munich, also agrees with Tah's quality.

"In Jonathan Tah, we have obtained players with international experience and quality, who won't take much time to establish themselves in our defense."

"It will be a good and important addition for us with its technical quality and attitude and way of leading," Freund said.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Tah insists he will help Bayern Munich win the trophy next season.

"I am very happy to be at FC Bayern. I want to take responsibility here and work hard every day so that we succeed as a team and win many trophies together," he said in an introduction.

Jonathan Tah, who was born in Hamburg, began his first step in professional football when he joined the Hamburger SV academy in 2009 at the age of 13.

He made his debut in the first team in August 2013 at the age of 17 years, five months, and 23 days, making him the youngest debutant in the history of the Hanseotic club at the time.

After 20 appearances in the senior team, the centre-back joined Fortuna D\"usseldorf on a one-season loan, with him appearing 23 times, before signing a contract with Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 2015/2016 season.

He played 402 times for Werkself (18 goals and 13 assists) and won two Bundesliga titles, DFB Pokal in 2024, and the German Super Cup.

For the German National Team, Tah made his debut in March 2016. Since then he has taken part in Euro 2016 and 2024, with a total of 35 appearances. He was previously the second captain of the U-19 and U21 German national teams.