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August 29, 2024

Kicker: Zahavi’s Remarks Won’t Convince Leverkusen to Move Tah – Bundesliga

A top German football journalist has reached out to his sources at Bayer 04 Leverkusen to get their take on Pini Zahavi’s last-ditch attempt to facilitate a move for Jonathan Tah.

Despite Zahavi’s dramatic late effort, Stephan van Nocks of Kicker Magazine reports that Bayer 04 Leverkusen and German international Jonathan Tah will not be transferred to FC Barcelona or FC Bayern München before the transfer window shuts. Van Nocks, who covers Leverkusen for the prominent football publication, sought clarification from his sources following comments made by Tah’s agent earlier today. The Leverkusen management is poised to firmly reject any offers.

In a Kicker article, van Nocks reveals that Leverkusen is resolute in its stance, having not received the €30 million requested from either Bayern or Barcelona. Even if either club increases their offers, Leverkusen has no intention of rushing to replace Tah. The club recently finalized a complicated defensive swap and is not open to further changes. Van Nocks emphasizes that no additional bids will be considered.

As seen last year with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani on transfer deadline day, a last-minute reversal is not entirely impossible. FCB board member Max Eberl has a reputation for closing deals at the eleventh hour. However, with Bayer’s personnel chief Simon Rolfes known for his negotiating prowess, it seems unlikely Zahavi’s efforts will result in a transfer.

Reports: Leipzig and Hoffenheim Still Eye Major Transfers

Reports suggest that RB Leipzig and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim are still active in the summer 2024 transfer window.

Both clubs are linked with multiple incoming players, and up to four new arrivals might be confirmed before the window closes tomorrow.

As seen late last week, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim seems poised to finalize two key acquisitions for specific positions. Sources indicate that two more attackers are set to join the team. German transfer expert Florian Plettenberg reports that Hoffenheim has agreed with Real Betis to sign 18-year-old Spanish winger Assane Diao.

Additionally, Plettenberg confirms earlier reports from Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu about Eyüpspor Kulübü striker Erencan Yardımcı. Sabuncuoğlu initially reported Yardımcı’s transfer to Sinsheim for around €4 million. Plettenberg’s confirmation suggests Hoffenheim may secure their third striker in three weeks, following Adam Hlozek and Haris Tabakovic.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig, fresh from securing Arthur Vermeeren from Atletico Madrid earlier this week, may have two more signings lined up before the transfer window closes. France’s L’Equipe reports that Leipzig has made an offer for SM Caen winger Tidiam Gomis. The 18-year-old prospect could be heading to the German club.

In a potentially larger deal, Leipzig is also interested in Portuguese defender Antonio Silva from SL Benfica, valued at €45 million. Both France’s RMC Sport and Portugal’s A Bola report that Leipzig is negotiating a loan deal with an option to buy. Benfica is reportedly considering Leipzig’s offer, with the purchase clause estimated between €25-30 million.

Reports: Gladbach Weigh Itakura Sale While Targeting Copenhagen’s Diks

Borussia Mönchengladbach is facing a challenging end to the summer 2024 transfer window in their central defensive lineup.

Similar to the recent dual transactions by Bundesliga champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Borussia Mönchengladbach is prepared to offload one central defender if they can secure a replacement. PSV Eindhoven’s interest in Japanese center back Ko Itakura might lead to his sale, but only if Roland Virkus and the BMG management can immediately sign a substitute.

According to Germany’s “Sport Bild,” PSV has increased their initial bid for Itakura. If Gladbach accepts an offer that is expected to exceed €15 million, they plan to acquire FC Copenhagen’s Kevin Diks for approximately €5 million. Danish sports portal “Bold” reports that Copenhagen is hesitant to part with the 27-year-old.

Gladbach might only agree to sell Itakura if they can secure two replacements. Speculation is rife about who the second player could be, with VfL Bochum’s Bernardo, former Hertha player Jordan Torunarigha, and Hoffenheim’s Atilla Szalai all being discussed.