Bayern Munich battle Bayer Leverkusen for Jonathan Tah's early Club World Cup release

By SABC Sport
3rd June 2025

Bayern Munich have signed Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, but a dispute over a five-million-euro early release fee for the Club World Cup has sparked tension between the Bundesliga giants.

According to Munich-based outlet TZ, Bayern Munich have balked at the figure, with club management reportedly labeling Leverkusen's demand as "insane." The Bavarians have countered with an offer between 200,000 and 400,000 euros, a fraction of the asking price, as they push to have their new defensive linchpin available from the tournament's opening whistle.

The stakes are high for Bayern Munich, who are grappling with a defensive crisis. Minjae Kim is expected to miss the tournament due to persistent Achilles issues, Hiroki Ito remains sidelined with a metatarsal fracture, and Dayot Upamecano is still on the mend from knee surgery.

To add to the challenge, Eric Dier has departed for AS Monaco, leaving the squad thin at the back. Having Tah ready for the Club World Cup's group stage would be a game-changer for the German giants.

Jonathan Tah, who made 402 appearances for Leverkusen and played a key role in their unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24, expressed his excitement about the move. "I'm very happy to be at FC Bayern. 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," he said in a club statement.

Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl echoed the sentiment, highlighting Tah's value. "It's no secret that we've had Jonathan Tah on our radar for a long time. We value his class: He's a guy who takes responsibility. Jonathan had many offers, but he chose FC Bayern," Eberl said.

If no deal is struck, Bayern will have to wait until July 1, 2025, to field Tah, potentially missing him for the Club World Cup's early rounds. The quarterfinals would be the earliest he could join the squad, a gamble the Bavarians are reluctant to take.

"We're delighted to welcome Jonathan Tah to FC Bayern. As an experienced international and leader, he brings the consistency and quality that will strengthen our defence," said Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen.

As the clock ticks down to June 15, football fans are watching closely to see if Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen can bridge the gap in this high-stakes transfer standoff.

Will Tah don the red and white from the start, or will Leverkusen hold firm? The battle for the defender's early release is heating up, and the outcome could shape Bayern's Club World Cup campaign.