Bayer Leverkusen CEO Admits Urging Jonathan Tah Not to Join Bayern Munich

CEO of Bayer Leverkusen Fernando Carro claimed that he counseled defender Jonathan Tah against playing for Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, while he also conceded that Florian Wirtz, a midfielder, might eventually join the German champions.

The Abortive Transfer of Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich Center-Back This summer, Jonathan Tah was on the verge of signing with Bayern Munich, but the deal fell through around the end of the transfer season. Carro revealed that although he understood Tah’s wish to leave Leverkusen, he had personally encouraged Tah not to strengthen a direct competitor in the Bundesliga.

On the Phrasenmäher podcast, Carro stated: “It goes without saying that we don’t want to strengthen direct competitors in our own league with top players.” as reported by Sky Germany.

“I told Jonathan Tah that straight as well. I would have preferred any club over one in Germany, but I can understand if you wish to go.”

Potential Transfer of Florian Wirtz to Bayern

Although Florian Wirtz, an offensive midfielder, and Tah are both wanted to stay at Leverkusen, Carro acknowledged that Wirtz might follow in the footsteps of other elite players and make a high-profile move, perhaps to Bayern Munich. Carro said:

“In football, you can’t promise anything. If he was here with us forever, that would make us happy.”

Carro also made a suggestion that if Wirtz left Leverkusen, he might end up being the most expensive German transfer in history.