Barcelona and Real Madrid set for transfer battle for German defender - Reports

Barcelona and Real Madrid will reportedly fight for the signing of German centre-back Jonathan Tah in the next summer transfer window. The 28-year-old Bayer Leverkusen defender's contract with the Bundesliga side is valid until June 30, 2025.

The Blaugrana reportedly had Tah on their list in the summer transfer window but could not secure a deal due to the club’s financial constraints and salary cap issues. The Catalan giants were reportedly unable to meet Bayer Leverkusen's asking price but are expected to try again his contract is set to expire next summer.

However, Barcelona's hopes of acquiring Jonathan Tah on a free transfer will reportedly not be smooth as Real Madrid are also keen on signing the defender, as per Diario SPORT.

Los Blancos are reportedly looking to strengthen their defense and are interested in Tah, who is also on the transfer target list of Bayern Munich. However, Barca Universal reported that the German star is more likely to move to Spain.

Jonathan Tah started his senior career with his boyhood club Hamburger SV in 2013 before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. He has made 363 appearances across competitions for the club, helping them win the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal last season.

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Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in signing Benfica defender Alvaro Carreras: Reports

Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras. The 21-year-old Spaniard is also a transfer target for Manchester United.

Carreras, in his youth career, played for both Real Madrid (2017-2020) and Manchester United (2020-2022). He started his senior career with the Red Devils in 2022 and was loaned to Benfica in January 2024 for the rest of the season with an optional buy-clause.

Later in May, Benfica exercised the €6 million buy option in the loan contract and Carreras signed a new contract with the Portuguese giants until 2029.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported that Los Blancos along with Barcelona and United are monitoring Alvaro Carreras' progress at Benfica and are interested in signing the defender soon.

Manchester United might have an advantage over the Spanish club in this potential transfer as the Premier League side have a buyback clause for Carreras.

Carreras has helped maintain three clean sheets in seven league matches for Benfica this season.