Real Madrid Could Join Jonathan Tah Chase – With Xabi Alonso as the Trump Card

Los Blancos may rival Barcelona and Manchester United for the Bayer Leverkusen captain this summer

The summer transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one at the Santiago Bernabéu — and a new name has quietly entered the conversation. Jonathan Tah, Bayer Leverkusen’s commanding captain and one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent defenders, could soon find himself at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war involving Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Barcelona.

It’s a story that’s slowly gathering steam, and it might all hinge on one key figure: Xabi Alonso.

Tah to Real Madrid? Alonso link reopens the door

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Jonathan Tah was actually offered to Real Madrid several months ago — but at the time, the club declined to pursue the deal. However, circumstances have changed. With Xabi Alonso now heavily tipped to become Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Madrid, the 29-year-old centre-back might suddenly be back on the radar in the Spanish capital.

The thinking is simple: if Alonso, the architect of Leverkusen’s stunning Bundesliga title-winning campaign, ends up in the Madrid dugout, he could look to bring one of his most trusted lieutenants with him. Tah has worn the armband under Alonso, and his leadership, physical presence, and consistency have been central to Leverkusen’s remarkable rise.

Out of contract and out of reach?

Real Madrid’s potential entry into the race adds a new dimension — especially if Alonso takes the reins

One of the main reasons Tah is such an appealing option for Europe’s elite clubs is his contract situation. The Germany international has made it clear he won’t be signing an extension with Leverkusen, meaning he’ll be available on a free transfer this summer. That alone makes him a hot commodity.

Bayern Munich have been long-time admirers, and Manchester United have scouted him repeatedly as they look to rebuild their defensive line. Barcelona, too, are watching with interest, especially with their own financial restrictions making value signings a priority.

But Real Madrid’s potential entry into the race adds a new dimension — especially if Alonso takes the reins. With the club already likely to spend big on attacking reinforcements (Kylian Mbappé anyone?), picking up an experienced, free-agent defender like Tah could be a shrewd move.

Xabi Alonso: The wildcard in Madrid’s summer plans

Jonathan Tah Leverkusen

There’s a sense of inevitability around Alonso’s return to Real Madrid. A former midfield general at the Bernabéu, he has carried himself with poise and intelligence since moving into coaching — and his transformation of Leverkusen from Bundesliga underachievers into unbeaten champions has caught the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Madrid are rumoured to be at the front of the queue for his signature, especially if Carlo Ancelotti decides to take up the Brazil national team job after this season. That situation is still developing — some sources claim Ancelotti is having second thoughts — but if a vacancy opens up, Alonso is expected to be the first call Florentino Pérez makes.

And if Alonso does arrive, it would make perfect sense for him to bring in players who already know his system, his expectations, and his style. That’s where Tah fits in.

What Tah would bring to Madrid

Tah isn’t the flashiest name, and he doesn’t always get the headlines, but he’s the type of player every top team needs. Tall, strong in the air, and disciplined in one-on-one situations, he’s grown into a real leader under Alonso.

In Madrid’s squad, he would offer valuable depth and competition — especially with questions surrounding the long-term future of Nacho Fernández and the fitness concerns around Éder Militão. With David Alaba also returning from a serious injury and Antonio Rüdiger carrying a heavy workload, a player like Tah could offer immediate stability and experience.

At 29, he’s also in his prime. He knows how to manage big games, how to lead from the back, and how to adapt to different tactical setups. And with a free transfer likely on the cards, the risk is minimal — a rare combination in today’s transfer market.

Barcelona, United and Bayern still circling

Of course, Madrid won’t have a free run at Tah. Barcelona have been linked for months and see him as a low-cost alternative to more expensive centre-back options. Manchester United are desperate to rebuild a leaky defence and may prioritise him if other targets prove too costly or difficult to acquire.

Then there’s Bayern — the German giants would love to keep him in the Bundesliga. They’ve been linked with Tah on and off for years, and with Matthijs de Ligt’s form fluctuating and Dayot Upamecano inconsistent, the Leverkusen man would be a solid domestic option.

But none of those clubs have the Xabi Alonso factor. If Madrid make the first move, and if Alonso is indeed the one pulling the strings, it’s hard to see Tah turning that opportunity down.

What’s next for Tah?

For now, Jonathan Tah is focused on the present. Leverkusen’s dream season isn’t over yet — the Bundesliga title has already been wrapped up, but the club is pushing hard for a historic treble, with the DFB-Pokal final and UEFA Europa League still on the calendar.

This Sunday, it’s a trip to Freiburg in the Bundesliga, and Tah will once again be a key figure at the heart of the defence. But behind the scenes, clubs are circling. His phone will ring. His agents will be busy.

And if Real Madrid do come calling — with Alonso on the line — it could be the beginning of a new chapter in a career that’s flown under the radar for too long.