West Ham United transfer news as permanent Thilo Kehrer exit ruled out in January
Thilo Kehrer is set to leave West Ham for Monaco this month but it will not be on a full transfer initially, according to Claret & Hugh.
On Sunday (31 December), prominent Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Germany international Kehrer – signed from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2022 – was heading back to Ligue 1 with the deal between the two clubs at the final stages.
However, Claret & Hugh (31 December) clarified that Monaco look to have won the race for Kehrer but the teams are in discussions about an initial loan with a view to making the deal permanent in the summer.
“ITK Fabrizio Romano claimed the the club has been closing in on a deal with the Ligue One for around £10 million but that is not the case,” Claret & Hugh wrote.
“Instead the Hammers are still talking with Monaco about a loan deal which they would hope to make permanent in the summer.
“At one point there were up to 10 clubs showing an interest in the 27 year old despite him only making four Premier League appearances this season.
“However, Monaco appear to have won the race for his services which will see him return to France after signing for the Irons from Paris St Germain.
“Our source discussing Romano’s claim…said: ‘That is not the case. We are involved in ongoing discussions, but only as a loan that has every chance of being made permanent in the summer.'”
One way or another…
This is an interesting update and one that suggests that FFP reasons are probably in play for both clubs if they are looking at the actual full transfer being completed in the summer, maybe it is a way for both teams to balance the books at a later date?
Either way, one way or another it looks certain that Kehrer will be headed back to Ligue 1 just under a year and a half from joining from French giants PSG for a little over £10million.
Much was expected of Kehrer but it just has not worked out for him at the London Stadium and he has barely featured at all in the top flight this term, with his appearances restricted to the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
With the Germany international hoping to play at his home European Championship next summer he is no doubt keen to secure an exit and play regular football over the next six months. And in truth Hammers fans are probably keen for him to be playing his football elsewhere too.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are ready to listen to offers for Maxwel Cornet this month.