Bayern Secures Jonathan Tah for FIFA Club World Cup

Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have completed a deal allowing Jonathan Tah to play for the Bundesliga champs at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Paperwork is ready, clearing Tah to join his new team for the big event.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern and Leverkusen agreed on a fee for Jonathan Tah to join Bayern immediately, so he can play in the Club World Cup next month. Though he had already signed a contract with Bayern until 2029 as a free agent, there was uncertainty about when he could officially join the team. With the paperwork complete, Tah will soon join the squad and fly to the U.S. for the tournament.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Tah’s move ends his 10-year career at Leverkusen. The defender was key to Leverkusen’s incredible 2023-24 season, where they won the Bundesliga title without losing a match. Tah made 402 competitive appearances for the club. Now, Bayern, with new manager Vincent Kompany, leads the Bundesliga standings but needs to strengthen their squad after Eric Dier left for free to join Monaco.

WHAT TAH SAID ABOUT JOINING BAYERN

After signing his Bayern contract, Tah said: “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.” His commitment aligns with Bayern’s ambitions as the club chases domestic and international titles.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BAYERN AND TAH?

Tah is set to join Bayern for the FIFA Club World Cup in mid-July in the U.S., giving him time to settle in before the 2025-26 Bundesliga season starts in August. Bayern’s next league match is against third-placed Borussia Dortmund, seven points behind them. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund highlighted why they wanted Tah now as their new center-back: “We’re happy with Jonathan’s signing and are confident he won’t need much time to adapt to us and our game plan. He is a difference maker due to his experience, manner, and leadership. We can’t wait to have him soon and are glad to welcome him to the family.”