West Ham interest in Jonathan Tah persists, with release clause set to run out next week
West Ham are interested in Bayer Leverkusen Jonathan Tah, who has a release clause in his contract and has a desire to move to the Premier League, according to Rheinische Post.
There is, however, a twist to this story, as Tah’s release clause can only be activated in the next week, before the club return for pre-season training. The clause and the player’s contract both run until 2025, but his release can only be activated until next week.
The report reveals that a move could take place regardless of his release clause as negotiations could take place with Leverkusen – who happen to be the former club of new West Ham technical director Tim Steidten.
West Ham’s interest in Tah was originally reported by Kicker [28 June], but the situation with his transfer clause has become more of a factor for the East London club.
Trigger his release clause
Tah would be an excellent signing for West Ham, ad if the club are serious about their interest they should trigger his release clause in the coming days. The club are not short of funds following Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal, yet Tah still presents a cheap and available option for a problem position.
He would bring with him plenty of experience despite being just 27 years old, having made 274 career appearances (227 for Leverkusen) and earned 16 international caps as somewhat of a regular for his national team.
Tah has also proved he can be relied upon after playing 47 games across all competitions last season, without missing a single game through injury. This would be a stark improvement on West Ham’s current centre-backs, with Kurt Zouma missing 13 games through injury last season, and Nayef Aguerd missing 20.
Standing at 6ft 5, Tah also offers the height and physicality which is often so desired in a David Moyes team, and could provide good threat from aerial balls and set-pieces.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has named the club as ‘one to watch’ in transfer race.