West Ham United in advanced talks with PSG for Thilo Kehrer, lower fee emerges – Dharmesh Sheth
West Ham are now in “advanced talks” with Paris Saint-Germain for Thilo Kehrer and the structure of the deal is now being worked on, Dharmesh Sheth reports.
The French champions were thought to want as much as £16million for the German international but it looks like the Hammers are set to get him for a significantly lower up-front fee.
A centre-back is a priority with Nayef Aguerd, Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna all currently out injured or not yet back to full fitness.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth wrote on Twitter on Monday afternoon (15 August): “West Ham United in advanced talks with PSG over the signing of defender Thilo Kehrer.
“Structure of deal being finalised. Fee under discussion thought to be €12m plus add-ons. Kehrer has entered the final year of his contract.”
Good business
For a deal that the club never wanted to do when they spend big to bring in their top defensive target earlier in the window it is good negotiating to keep the fee down in the first instance.
A structure that is heavy with add-ons makes perfect sense since he is coming in as an emergency option in the first instance.
But at 25 and a full international there is no reason that he can’t be an important performer at West Ham for seasons to come, so bonuses based on performances and achievements will be a small price to pay.
With two losses from the first two games of the season West Ham need a boost quickly, and an answer to the pressing conundrum in the centre of defence would be a good start.
If Kehrer can come in and play at a high level in order to get himself into the Germany squad for the World Cup it would be a great help as the club look to bounce back from a tricky start.
The end of the window is going to be crucial after an encouraging summer has given way to start to the season beset with problems.