One player who might not end up at Bayern before the summer transfer window closes is Jonathan Tah.
The 28-year-old German international was on the verge of moving from Leverkusen a couple of weeks ago, but the two clubs have not managed to reach a deal.
Even though Tah’s contract expires in 2025, Leverkusen are loathe to lose their defensive leader.
To this point, the reigning champions have been able to keep all their key players from last season.
Leverkusen’s core group – including Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo – have all decided to stay and attempt to defend the title under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso.
In fact, Leverkusen have been able to strengthen their squad. Midfielder Aleix Garcia, signed from Girona, looks to be Xhaka’s new midfield partner, while defender Jeanuel Belocian and winger Martin Terrier have been brought in to give Alonso even more options.
Leverkusen showed one of their main characteristics at the weekend against VfB Stuttgart in the German Super Cup, managing to score a last-gasp equaliser despite being a man down.
Leverkusen eventually beat Stuttgart on penalties to secure the first piece of silverware of the 2024-25 campaign.
But it is unlikely Alonso’s players can achieve as many last-minute wins as last season – having scored at least 17 goals in the 90th minute or later across all competitions.
The prospect of at least some drop-off in performance is likely, but that does not necessarily mean Leverkusen will be unable to challenge Bayern and others.
Alonso’s side did, after all, finish 18 points above third-placed Bayern in 2023-24 and 17 points ahead of runners-up Stuttgart.
Read More: Bundesliga 2024-25: Bayer Leverkusen to retain title or will Bayern Munich bounce back?
