Rolfes still hopeful of extending Tah’s contract: “The door is not closed”

Leverkusen sporting director stays optimistic about defender’s future at the BayArena

Sporting director Simon Rolfes continues to be hopeful that Jonathan Tah will sign a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international’s current contract expires in the summer of 2023, and he has been linked with a move away from the BayArena in recent months.

However, Rolfes has not given up on the idea of keeping Tah at the club. “The door is not closed,” Rolfes told reporters on Friday. “We are still in talks with Jonathan and his agent, and we are hopeful that we can reach an agreement.”

Tah has been a key player for Leverkusen since joining the club from Hamburg in 2015. He has made over 200 appearances for the club, and he was part of the team that won the DFB-Pokal in 2019.

The 26-year-old is a versatile defender who can play at center-back or right-back. He is also a good passer and tackler, and he has been capped 15 times by Germany.

Leverkusen would be loath to lose Tah, who is one of their most important players. However, the club is also aware that he is approaching the end of his contract, and they may be forced to sell him if they cannot agree on a new deal.

For his part, Tah has said that he is happy at Leverkusen. “I am very happy at Leverkusen,” Tah said in April. “I have a good relationship with the club and the fans, and I am playing regularly.”

“I am not thinking about leaving at the moment. I am focused on helping Leverkusen achieve our goals this season.”

It remains to be seen whether Tah will sign a new contract with Leverkusen. However, Rolfes’ comments suggest that the club is still hopeful of keeping him at the BayArena.