After a decade with Bayer Leverkusen, Jonathan Tah has begun a new chapter with Bayern Munich, officially joining the club in June. Although his contract with Leverkusen was due to expire at the end of the month, Bayern chose to pay a transfer fee to secure his early arrival, allowing him to take part in the Club World Cup under Vincent Kompany.
At the international tournament, Tah played a key role in Bayern’s backline. His defensive efforts were instrumental in helping the team reach the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain. Reflecting the club’s faith in his abilities, Tah was entrusted with a central role in defence during the competition.
The 28-year-old came close to making the move to Munich a year earlier but was persuaded to remain at the BayArena for another season by Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. That decision paid off, as he went on to win both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in the 2023–24 season, rounding off a successful final year with the club.
Determined to lead in new surroundings
Speaking to Bayern’s in-house media, Tah explained that leaving Leverkusen was a deliberate and thoughtful step. Describing it as a conscious decision to leave his comfort zone, he acknowledged the growth he experienced at his former club but felt it was the right time to seek out new challenges, both personally and professionally.
He emphasized that self-reflection played a major role in the transition. Tah stated that questioning oneself and aiming for continued development was a key reason behind his move to Bayern. He expressed a desire to evolve not only as a football player but also on a personal level through exposure to a different environment.
With his arrival in Munich, Tah also addressed the topic of leadership. He made it clear that he intends to assume responsibility within the squad—not only because it is expected by the club and his teammates, but because it aligns with his own values. However, he noted that leadership must be earned through consistent performances and daily commitment.
Tah underlined that taking the initiative isn’t something that can be declared overnight. According to him, it requires time, dedication, and actions that set an example. Only by living up to those standards himself does he believe he can begin to motivate and influence others within the team.
