Bundesliga 2024-25: Will Bayer Leverkusen retain their title or will Bayern Munich bounce back?

One player who might not end up at Bayern before the summer transfer window closes is Jonathan Tah.

The 28-year-old Germany international was close to leaving Leverkusen a few weeks ago, but the two clubs failed to reach an agreement.

Even though Tah’s contract expires in 2025, Leverkusen does not want to lose its defensive leader.

So far, the defending champions have been able to retain all their key players from last season.

Leverkusen’s core – including Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo – have decided to stay and attempt to defend the title under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso.

Leverkusen have indeed strengthened their squad. Midfielder Aleix Garcia, signed from Girona, appears to be Xhaka’s new partner in midfield, while defender Jeanuel Belocian and winger Martin Terrier have been recruited to give Alonso even more options.

Leverkusen showed one of their main characteristics this weekend against VfB Stuttgart in the German Supercup, managing to equalize in the last minute despite being down by a man.

Leverkusen eventually beat Stuttgart on penalties to win the first trophy of the 2024-25 campaign.

But Alonso’s side are unlikely to secure as many last-minute victories as they did last season – having scored at least 17 goals in the 90th minute or more in all competitions.

The prospect of a drop in performance is likely, but that does not necessarily mean Leverkusen will not be able to challenge Bayern and others.

After all, Alonso’s side finished 18 points ahead of third-placed Bayern in 2023-24 and 17 points ahead of runners-up Stuttgart.