Barcelona scouts are set to watch Bayer Leverkusen stars Jonathan Tah and Florian Wirtz during Tuesday's Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
The Catalan giants have identified both players as potential future targets, with particular interest in Tah, who could be available on a free transfer this summer. Barcelona have already initiated discussions with Tah's representative, Pini Zahavi, regarding a possible move when the defender's contract expires.
The 28-year-old German international has publicly expressed his intention to pursue new opportunities at the end of his current deal, drawing attention from several top European clubs. Barcelona view Tah as a strategic 'market opportunity,' with coach Hansi Flick looking to strengthen his defensive options for the upcoming season. Since his arrival from Hamburg in 2015, Tah has accumulated an impressive record of over 350 appearances for Leverkusen and earned 33 caps for the German national team.
Wirtz, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's Bundesliga triumph under Xabi Alonso last season, has also caught Barcelona's attention. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has previously expressed his desire to play for the Blaugrana, though his acquisition would likely require a substantial investment due to widespread interest from other clubs.
Real Madrid has also joined the race for Wirtz's signature, as revealed by ESPN in November, with the Spanish giants concerned about their creative output following Toni Kroos's retirement. Despite being contracted to Leverkusen until 2027, with reports suggesting a potential one-year extension, Wirtz has already demonstrated his exceptional talent through nearly 200 club appearances and 29 international caps for Germany, including a standout performance at last summer's European Championship in his home country.
