Joan Laporta has achieved it and has taken it away from Florentino Pérez. Both Barça and Real Madrid were interested in signing him as a free agent. In the end, the player has decided to go for the blaugrana. We are talking about Jonathan Tah, Leverkusen center-back, who is closing a deal to come to Camp Nou completely free next season.
The deal is "practically done" after a meeting held in Cologne. Jijantes journalist Carlos Monfort has discovered that Deco headed to the German city last Thursday to meet personally with Pini Zahavi, Tah's representative. At this meeting, there was talk abut his possible arrival at Barça next season and "both parties were very happy."
Jonathan Tah's price makes him a real bargain: €0. His contract ends next season and he had aroused the interest of several powerful European teams. In addition to Barça and Real Madrid, Bayern also wanted him, although they have finally opted for the Barça project. Hansi Flick has been key to this agreement, being his main supporter in Barcelona.
Free Transfer for Barça: KO for Florentino Pérez
The president of Real Madrid was very interested in the possible transfer of Jonathan Tah to strengthen the center of his defense. The fact that he is a free agent makes him a bargain, but he's always been clear that he should opt for the Barça project. He's been offered an important role in the squad, with the intention of increasing the competitiveness in the center of defense next season.
Jonathan Tah has been a key pillar in the Bayer Leverkusen defense, standing out for his imposing physique and his ability to lead the defense. Throughout his career, he's shown remarkable consistency and great ability to read the game, which has made him a very attractive option for Barça.
The interest of the club in Jonathan Tah is not new. Barça tried to sign him last transfer window but the conditions weren't met. However, for next summer, Tah is free and could arrive at Camp Nou at a cost of 0, although there's a catch.
To sign for FC Barcelona, the center-back is reportedly asking for around 10 million euros gross per season, a demand that would be within the parameters that the club handles. As for the duration of the contract, it seems that Jonathan Tah would be looking for, at least, three years. He knows that Barça is an opportunity to advance in his professional career and he doesn't want to waste it, but he has conditions. Conditions that Laporta seems to have accepted in order to take him away from Florentino Pérez.