It seems Barcelona could need a replacement for Ronald Araujo sooner rather than later, given the spate of reports linking him with an exit. It seemed that the Blaugrana had a replacement ready in Jonathan Tah, but he has distanced himself from the idea of a deal.
In recent weeks it has been reported that Tah is close to signing a pre-contract with Barcelona, but the latest reports indicate that the German international has not yet given the green light to the move. Tah has now publicly confirmed that is the case.
Ansu Fati is emotionally affected by the decision to exclude him from the squad for yesterday’s match. @jbatalla7
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 9, 2025
“So far nothing has been decided. I am totally focused on being successful at Leverkusen. I will make my decision soon and when I have made it, I will communicate it,” he told SkySports DE, quoted by Sport.
The Blaugrana appeared to have beaten Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to the signing of Tah, but the Bayer Leverkusen defender could perhaps still be available. Barcelona will retain Íñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsi for next season, but had been planning for Tah to join them. One of Eric García, Araujo or Andreas Christensen was in line to be fourth, but recent events could alter that.