German international defender Jonathan Tah has joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga winners said Thursday.
With the four-year contract he signed, the 29-year-old will remain in Munich until 2029.
During his ten years in Leverkusen, Tah won an undefeated league and cup double in 2023–2024. At his final home game in May, he was given a heartfelt send-off after announcing to Leverkusen that he would not be renewing his contract past 2025.
“I’m very happy to be at 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,” Tah said in the club statement.
After Eric Dier left for Ligue 1 team Monaco at the end of the season, Bayern needed to add a center-back.
With one year left on his contract, Bayern was linked to signing Tah in the summer of 2024, but the Bavarians declined to pay Leverkusen’s asking price.
“In Jonathan Tah we’ve acquired a player with international experience and quality, who won’t need much time to establish himself in our defence.
“He’ll be a good and important addition for us with his technical qualities as well as his manner and the way he leads,” said sporting director, Christoph Freund.
The Hamburg-born defender has made 35 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2016. He was also linked to a move to Barcelona, where he would have joined former Germany coach Hansi Flick.
Since then, Tah has become a key member of Germany’s defense. Since September 2023, he has been available for all international games, starting all but one.
He is part of Julian Nagelsmann’s team that will compete in the Nations League finals the following month.