I will not! — Boniface's teammate refuses to make same 'mistake' as Osimhen amid Barcelona links
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Bayer Leverkusen players celebrating with the Meisterchale || Image credit: Imago

I will not! — Boniface's teammate refuses to make same 'mistake' as Osimhen amid Barcelona links

Faruq Ibrahim 23:59 - 07.09.2024

Bayer Leverkusen have a contract standoff with one of their top players.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan informed the club and public that he will not renew his contract as he seeks a different challenge. 

The 28-year-old centre-back has been with Bayer Leverkusen since 2015. He was an integral member of the squad that won the Bundesliga last season in unbeaten fashion; hence, he has a slew of suitors this summer. 

However, Bayer Leverkusen refused to budge on their price tag, which many suitors deemed excessive; hence, he will continue at the club this season. The Germany international’s contract expires at the end of that season. Determined to leave the club, he has revealed his plans. 

Tah refusing to make same ‘mistakes’ as Osimhen 

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen is another player who desired a move this summer; however, his €130 million release clause, which Napoli held out for most of the window, discouraged suitors. 

Like Tah, Osimhen's contract was set to expire in 2025, but in December 2023, he signed a renewal. The renewal pushed the expiry date of the contract till 2026 and made him the highest-paid player at the club.  

Victor Boniface, Stanisic, Xhaka and Tah after one of Bayer Leverkusen's win this season.
Victor Boniface, Stanisic, Xhaka and Tah after one of Bayer Leverkusen's win this season.

It also gave Napoli negotiating leverage and has just contributed to Osimhen’s failure to land a desired move in the recently shut transfer window, and many fans look back on the renewal, tagging it as a mistake from the Nigerian and his agent. 

Tah has been approached by Leverkusen for a contract renewal and has now revealed that he will not be putting pen to paper. 

“I’m NOT gonna sign a new deal at Bayer Leverkusen. My decision is made," he told SZ, per Fabrizio Romano. “I will give my best until the end here and then we will see about my future club. But my decision is to go and try different experience.”