Barcelona captain’s future will not be affected by 28-year-old’s free-transfer signing

Barcelona seem to be closing in on the signing of Jonathan Tah, a centre-back from Bayer Leverkusen, who will become a free agent on 30 June.

Last week, the Blaugrana sporting director Deco embarked on a trip to Germany to meet the player and his representatives and it was motivated by the footballer’s desire to join the Barcelona club.

Tah likely to join

Now SPORT reports that Tah is very much close to signing for Barcelona, having received the endorsement of manager Hansi Flick as well.

It had been suggested that the German international’s arrival, given the number of centre-backs already at the club, could influence the future of some players, including captain Ronald Araujo.

It is true that Tah would arrive to clearly compete for a starting position and one or two defenders might need to be sold, but the report clarifies that Araujo will not be affected.

Deco and Flick believe the Uruguayan is one of the best in the world and will do everything possible to renew his contract. Negotiations are being intensified due to the player’s desire to continue.

Deco’s idea is to have four top-category centre-backs. Pau Cubarsi is untouchable, Inigo Martinez – the only left-footed option at centre-back – has already been promised continuity, they want to renew Araujo, and significant progress has been made with Tah.

These would currently be the four chosen to compete for two positions. Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia are the ones selected to leave, as they will not have playing time here.

As a wildcard, the Blaugrana have Jules Kounde, who continues to want to play more as a centre-back than as a full-back.

As such, the puzzle of Barcelona’s centre-back department is close to being completed, with Araujo very much in the mix.