Xabi Alonso initially pushed for Bayer Leverkusen centre‑back Jonathan Tah, but once Real Madrid learned Juventus defender Dean Huijsen was attainable, they switched targets—leaving Tah free to negotiate elsewhere. Mundo Deportivo reports Barcelona’s new boss, Hansi Flick, still hopes to land the 29‑year‑old, whose Leverkusen contract expires this summer. Bayern Munich are also keen.
Real Madrid have backed away: the club dislikes bidding wars over wages and now prioritises younger signings on long‑term deals. Although Alonso would still have welcomed Tah, Flick’s late personal call appears to have swung the defender toward Barça, with an official move said to be close.
