Real Madrid's summer transfer plans have suffered a significant blow, with reports from Mario Cortegana revealing that Jonathan Tah is now in advanced negotiations to join Bayern Munich.

The development comes as a major setback for Los Blancos, who had earmarked the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back as a central figure in their planned defensive overhaul. The appeal was heightened by the fact that Tah could have arrived on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire in June.

However, according to Cortegana, Bayern Munich have stolen a march in the race, accelerating talks and pushing Real Madrid to the periphery. The missed opportunity marks another in a growing list of transfer frustrations for the Spanish giants, who have also lost out on Martin Zubimendi—set to join Arsenal—and Florian Wirtz, who is believed to have reached a verbal agreement with Bayern.

A Perfect Signing Slips Away

Tah, a standout performer during Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title-winning campaign, was viewed by Real Madrid as the ideal addition to their back line. The German international offered tactical compatibility, composure, and experience—qualities that made him even more attractive given his impending free-agent status.

Madrid had intensified their pursuit amid speculation linking Xabi Alonso with the Bernabéu hot seat, recognising that Tah was a defender held in high regard by the Leverkusen manager.

Yet Bayern acted with greater urgency and strategic focus. The Bavarian club had reportedly been laying the groundwork behind the scenes for several months and wasted no time stepping up their efforts once Madrid’s interest became public.

Bayern Move Swiftly to Secure Tah

In recent days, Bayern Munich’s hierarchy have inundated the player’s camp with direct communication, bolstering their offer with improved financial terms and a compelling long-term vision.

Such was the urgency at the Allianz Arena that the move was reportedly greenlit by the club’s board even before final approval was secured from the financial department.

While the deal has not yet been officially confirmed, sources close to the matter indicate that it is 90 per cent complete. Tah is said to be on the verge of making his final decision, with all signs now pointing towards a move to Munich.

For Real Madrid, it marks yet another missed opportunity in a summer that is increasingly proving to be a difficult one in the transfer market.