Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen central defender Jonathan Tah. The German international has been at the club since 2015, having joined from Hamburg.
As per German website Kicker, the Foxes are tracking the 24-year-old defender, whose head of senior recruitment, Lee Congerton, has reportedly spoken to Tah. Congerton knows Tah from his time as Hamburg’s technical director. The report states that Leicester City could be interested in bringing Tah on a loan deal, initially.
Tah’s release clause is set at €40 million, which the report says is far too high and Leverkusen may not be able to get that fee in the current climate. Tah still has three years remaining on his current deal at the German club.
Leicester City are also reportedly interested in signing young defender, Wesley Fofana.
Jonathan Tah to Leicester City – Much needed depth and quality
Leicester City have got off to a good start in the 2020-21 Premier League season, brushing aside their poor form in the fag end of last season. The Foxes have done well so far, winning both their games in the league, but lost to Arsenal in the League Cup.
The Foxes have done well without the experienced Jonny Evans, who has been on the sidelines due to an injury. Evans’ injury forced manager Brendan Rodgers to play Wilfred Ndidi in the heart of the defence, but the Nigerian’s recent injury means Leicester will be without one of their key players for a few months.
Jonathan Tah would be a good signing for Leicester City, thanks to his physical presence, strength, and aerial ability. The 6’5″ central defender is very good in the air, averaging 2.9 aerial balls won per game last season and 3.8 clearances per game. Tah is also a composed and confident passer from the back, which would fit in Rodgers’ style of football.
The German is just 24 years of age but has vast experience, and could grow at a new club. While Ndidi and Soyuncu have done well at the back, the former’s natural position is in midfield, which is an important role in this Leicester team. Ndidi will be a key cog in the team when he returns from his injury.
Wes Morgan is no longer the player he was a few years ago, and is the player to start every game in the Premier League as he is in the twilight of his career. Soyuncu has done well, but the Foxes need more depth in that position if they are to better last season’s league finish. Tah would hence improve the squad depth and the quality of the first team.
Stats via Whoscored