Barcelona’s first signing of 2025/26: Blaugrana close to securing superstar free agent

Barcelona are close to securing their first new face for the 2025/26 campaign, with Fabrizio Romano announcing that Hansi Flick’s side are nearing a deal to add Jonathan Tah to their ranks.

Tah has been a wanted man on the transfer market for much of the year. After playing a starring role for B04 as they romped to the Bundesliga last term, Bayern Munich tried unsuccessfully to prise him away from Xabi Alonso’s side.

Out of contract in 2025, Real Madrid and Manchester United have since taken an interest in landing the 28-year-old on a free transfer, but Romano says that Barcelona are clear favourites to secure his signature.

“Jonathan Tah has always been very clear with Bayer Leverkusen, despite several discussions to extend his contract. They tried to extend with a better salary, to offer him a way out. But Jonathan Tah will leave the club as a free agent. The plan is to leave at the end of the season,” he said on his YouTube channel.

“There’s always the interest of Bayern. They wanted him last summer but the deal didn’t happen. But there’s also the other option: Barcelona.

“Barca are in advanced stages of the negotiation to sign Tah. Very advanced stages. There are still some things to do. So before saying this will be their first signing of 2025/26, we have to wait a bit.”

Talks held already

Everything indicates that a deal will be done, with head coach Hansi Flick and Tah sharing the same agent. This could be vital for a deal.

Romano has confirmed that talks have already been held between Barcelona and the player, despite the fact that Tah cannot unilaterally hold discussions over his future with foreign teams until 1 January.

“Deco met Tah on Thursday, along with his agent Pini Zahavi, who is also the agent of Hansi Flick, which could be really important. This meeting was very positive,” Romano said. “That’s why Barcelona are confident they can make it happen. Now the player’s very interested in the Barca project, and they are clear favourites.”

Previous reports indicated it would be at least 2025 Tah decided his future club, yet it seems the B04 defender is well on his way to picking Barcelona.