West Ham United transfer target Jonatan Tah makes Premier League ‘goal’ admission
West Ham transfer target Jonathan Tah has admitted his goal has always been to play in the Premier League, as transfer rumours swirl, in a new interview with Kicker.
It was revealed in his interview with the German news source on 27 July that Tah has been searching for a move away from Bayer Leverkusen since the winter, and although his £15.4million release clause expired on 10 July, he is still hopeful of a move.
West Ham have been linked to Tah throughout this transfer window, with a deal seemingly made more likely by the appointment of Tim Steidten as West Ham’s technical director [Football Transfers].
Speaking to Kicker from Leverkusen’s pre-season training camp, Tah revealed: “The market is still open. Anything can happen. Of course, I’m aware of what I have here and I appreciate that. But I’m still open and listen to other things.
“I have the feeling that I can still take a step up in my personal development if I go to another league. There was also interest from other leagues, but it has always been my goal to play in the Premier League at some point. Because it’s simply the best league. Competing at this level is attractive, of course also at my age.”
West Ham should make their move
Having been linked to the German international throughout the transfer window, West Ham are still yet to enter any official talks for Tah. This comes as somewhat of a surprise, as the date of expiry on his release clause suggested teams may move early to get a deal done.
However, the article in Kicker also shared that Premier League teams prefer to wait until late in the window to do their business, and the development that any interested party may have to pay a few extra million will not be too much of a deterrent.
The Hammers have been keen on bringing in a centre-back this summer, as they are also credited with an interest in Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire, although his price tag may put them off a move.
Tah 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.
Standing at 6ft 5, Tah also offers the height and physicality which is often so desired in a David Moyes team and could provide a good threat from aerial balls and set-pieces.
The door is wide open for this one.
In other West Ham news, the club made a double swoop for striker targets as current option made to wait for a move.