- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Thilo Kehrer is due for a medical at AS Monaco after a deal with West Ham United was fully agreed, sources have confirmed to HITC Football.
The 27-year-old moved to West Ham United during the summer of 2022 from Paris Saint-Germain, but after 50 appearances for David Moyes’ side, he is heading for the exit door and starting another chapter in his career.
HITC Football understands that the overall deal for Thilo Kehrer could be worth €11m (£9.4m) and is an option, but includes triggers to make the deal mandatory. The initial loan fee is being paid is €500,000, which will come off the overall fee.
We understand the player turned down options to move back to Germany – The German international previously played for Schalke.
Thilo Kehrer to leave West Ham
This is the right call because it just hasn’t worked out for the £10.1 million signing. The one big positive is that he helped deliver the Europa Conference League last season.
So, whilst there were inconsistent performances along the way from Thilo Kehrer, he can hold up his head high in that regard.
Yes, the German had versatility to his game, but whether he was deployed at centre-back or full-back, he just couldn’t find that run of consistent games or form.
And when you are playing under the stewardship of a defensive-minded coach like David Moyes, then the defensive side of your game is going to be scrutinised even more, and that was his weak point.
Either way, this is a deal that suits all parties and it will allow the Hammers to fix other areas of their squad.
West Ham’s January transfer window
Even though West Ham find themselves sixth in the Premier League table, there have still been inconsistent performances, as well as some eye-catching ones.
Wins over the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and in-form Wolves were superb. But they also conceded five to Fulham in the Premier League and the same number to Liverpool in the League Cup.
But they have the Europa League knockout stages coming up, as well as hope that they could possibly scrap for a Champions League place.
So, just how far will the Hammers push the boat out this month, because it could prove to be defining in their season.
Last season was a blip, in terms of the club’s Premier League form, they have proved that with their performances this campaign.
But with six points separating Moyes’ side and fourth-placed Arsenal, then why can’t they dream?!