Thilo Kehrer won’t be allowed January West Ham United exit as issue emerges
It’s unlikely that Thilo Kehrer will be allowed to exit West Ham in the January transfer window despite his lack of game time, according to Paul Brown.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on Wednesday (13 December), the former Daily Star journalist said he would be “surprised” if the German international leaves the Hammers as he doesn’t believe they will want to weaken their squad after suggesting they could have depth issues later in the season.
He added that the 27-year-old defender could leave the Irons in the summer if he doesn’t force his way back into contention, but that may depend on whether or not they could sign a replacement for him.
“Kehrer hasn’t made a big impact this season, but I think West Ham will not be wanting to weaken their squad in any way in January,” said Brown. “So I would be surprised if they allowed a player like that to leave.
“They’re expecting to play a lot of games again this season, they’re going to have issues in terms of the depth of their squad when we get to the spring, and I don’t think it’s very likely that Kehrer leaves.
“If by the summer he’s not playing still and hasn’t found a way to force his way back into the thinking of the manager, then it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s allowed to leave. But that would I think depend on West Ham getting a replacement. So I don’t think he is going anywhere in the winter window.”
Unconvincing
It looked like an excellent piece of business when West Ham signed Kehrer from PSG last summer due to his experience at club and international level.
After featuring heavily in the first half of last season, the versatile defender lost his place in the starting lineup towards the back end of the campaign following some unconvincing performances.
The German has been relegated to the role of a bit-part player this season, having only played 18 minutes in the Premier League and largely having to settle for appearances in the cup competitions.
He has fallen victim to the impressive form of Vladimir Coufal this year as the Czech Republic right-back has been almost ever-present in the Hammers side.
But Kehrer is still the backup option on the right-hand side of defence, so it looks unlikely he will make a move away from the London Stadium during the January window.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has made a “big” Moyes admission ahead of a sit-down with the Hammers hierarchy.