Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, has already addressed speculation surrounding the potential departure of Jonathan Tah, who is reportedly on Liverpool’s transfer radar. The Reds have recently been linked with a move for the center-back once the transfer window opens.
Bayern Munich showed interest in signing Tah last summer, but the defender opted to stay put with the current Bundesliga champions. With his contract due to expire at the end of this season, the 29-year-old is free to negotiate with clubs outside Germany about a possible free transfer in the summer.
However, it’s not just Liverpool that is reportedly interested in Tah; Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the player.
This speculation has prompted questions about Tah’s future and whether Alonso expects him to be part of his squad next season. Alonso addressed these rumors back in December, explaining why he had no concerns about Tah’s future.
“I’m not worried about that at the moment,” Alonso commented via Marca. “We’re happy that Jona [Tah] is with us this season. His attitude is top notch, he has a big influence on our game. We need him until the very last day. Then we’ll see what happens in the future. The summer is still too far away for me.
“It’s no surprise, we spoke very honestly in the summer,” Alonso stated. “He is a top-level leader and his level is getting better and better. Now we are happy that he is with us.”
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Tah isn’t the only Leverkusen player to be linked with Liverpool amid fresh speculation over Jeremie Frimpong making the move to Anfield. The Dutchman is on Liverpool’s radar as a potential successor for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the full-back closing in on his summer switch to Real Madrid.
Speaking about Frimpong after last season’s Bundesliga title win, Alonso said: “Since I got here for the first time, since the first day, Jeremie has been a key player for us and for myself.
“He’s a great guy, His personality… he brings a lot of joy to the locker room. So you need to keep him having this joy. But as well as become more mature.”
Frimpong himself was open about a move to Anfield a year ago, having been close to joining Liverpool’s academy before ultimately opting for Manchester City. He said: “Liverpool? Great club, with history. That would be great. Who knows what the future will bring!”
