Will Leverkusen keep their star stopper? He has a lot to prove here. I believe he won’t leave, Rolfes thinks

A key pillar of Leverkusen’s defence, a driving force, a team player and we could go on. In short, Jonathan Tah is one of the main reasons why Bayer achieved their first ever championship title this year. Speculation about his departure is understandable, but sporting director Simon Rolfes believes he will stay.

Jonathan Tah arrived at Leverkusen in July 2015, specifically from Hamburg for just under €10 million. In that time, the newly crowned German champion has already paid several times, while his market value has also increased thanks to his top performances.

Now, the market value of the 28-year-old stopper stands at €30 million, according to Transfermarkt. However, the potential transfer sum would be even higher, as Tah is a long-time mainstay of Leverkusen’s defensive line.

And that has been on full display this season. The Hamburg native’s performance has also earned him an invitation to the national team and he should be part of the national squad for the upcoming European Championships.

It is also no surprise that other big clubs are circling around Taha. Bayern Munich, for example, has recently expressed interest in his services. However, the club’s sporting director Simon Rolfes believes that Tah will stay with the reigning Bundesliga champions.

Tah? He will stay at Leverkusen, Rolfes believes

“We are in good communication with Jon about the situation. There is no doubt that he feels comfortable here. But it’s normal to think about it (a possible transfer) after a certain point in your career, even at this age,” said Leverkusen’s sporting director.

“But I have a good feeling about it and I think he will stay. Because he too is aware of what has not only happened here in recent years, but what he can still do here – even next season. That’s why I’m completely calm in that regard,” Rolfes said of Taha’s possible transfer.

For now, the star of Bayer’s defence must focus on the next game. Leverkusen will face their first Europa League semi-final match when they take on AS Rome. Can Xabi Alonso’s charges extend their unbeaten run and advance?

Source: Bayer Leverkusen, One Football, Transfermarkt, X – Fabrizio Romano