Manchester United look set to miss out on a bargain deal for Jonathan Tah as the 29-year-old defender draws closer to a move to Bayern Munich, according to a report.
The Red Devils had been linked with a move for Tah as the German international’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen is set to expire at the end of the season.
As such, United could have acquired an excellent centre-back with a wealth of experience in a back three – as Die Werkselfoften use the exact same system under Xabi Alonso as the one Ruben Amorim is seeking to implement at Old Trafford – on a free transfer.
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both set to depart from Manchester this summer, while the long-term injury to Lisandro Martinez, as well as injury-prone concerns over defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, means United are not as comfortably stacked in defence as they may appear.
But the bulk of the club’s budget this summer has to be directed towards reinforcements in the forward line as United’s attack has been woeful this season.
Therefore, a deal to secure Tah on a free transfer could have proved an astute signing at a time when every penny counts at Old Trafford.
But, as Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports) reveals, Bundesliga heavyweight Bayern Munich are close to confirming Tah’s signature after agreeing personal terms with the German international.
FC Bayern have set themselves a major target, as they are aiming for a quick double transfer: Florian #Wirtz AND Jonathan #Tah are both set to join this summer!
In Wirtzs case, it depends on reaching an agreement with Leverkusen. For Tah, Bayern are only waiting for the pic.twitter.com/tEsGaSFrNL
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 13, 2025
Tweet: “FC Bayern have set themselves a major target, as they are aiming for a quick double transfer: Florian #Wirtz AND Jonathan #Tah are both set to join this summer!
“In Wirtzs case, it depends on reaching an agreement with Leverkusen. For Tah, Bayern are only waiting for the players final yes. Personal terms are fully agreed and internally approved.
“Bayern know that the two are close friends and want to use this to their advantage in securing the transfers. Bayerns big wish is for both players to already be part of the squad for the Club World Cup.”
This update signals the end of another bargain deal United after another Jonathan – long-term target Jonathan David – was reported to be in “advanced talks” to sign for Serie A side Napoli last night.
A double free transfer swoop for Tah and David would have buttressed Amorim’s squad in key areas of need with proven players at no cost. Alas, the pull of the Manchester United may not be quite what it once was, as INEOS could be set to find out this summer.
Featured image Lars Baron via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
