German central defender Thilo Kehrer reacts with his first words after signing for West Ham United from PSG in a bargain deal.
West Ham boss David Moyes has been desperately trying to sign a new centre-back after the long-term injury to Nayef Aguerd, the sale of Issa Diop and injury issues surrounding Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and even Kurt Zouma.
The prime target has recently emerged as PSG and Germany defender Kehrer.
As reported by Hammers News earlier this week, West Ham were boosted when Kehrer was frozen out of the PSG squad for the first two games of the Ligue 1 season.
There had been talk West Ham had seen a bid of around £15-17m rejected by PSG for the rapid defender and were negotiating a figure around the £19-20m mark (Sky Sports Germany).
Talks continued this week between West Ham and PSG over a deal for Kehrer, who had one year left on his contract.
A claim about the deal West Ham were getting on Kehrer makes it one of the best ever.
And now Moyes has got his man.
The Hammers have announced the capture of the 25-year-old, who cost PSG £35m four years ago, on a four-year-deal with the option for another two years.
Now German defender Kehrer has reacted with his first words after signing for West Ham from PSG in a bargain deal for a reported £10.1m with add-ons.
German defender Thilo Kehrer reacts with his first words after signing for West Ham from PSG in bargain deal
Kehrer told the club’s official website he is excited to play for West Ham in the Premier League and was impressed with the ambition of his new manager Moyes.
“I’m very excited to sign for West Ham United,” Kehrer, who will wear the No24 shirt, told whufc.com.
“This is the best league in the world and I’m excited about coming to play in the Premier League.
“I talked to the manager and he told me about how he sees me fitting in at the club.
“My biggest goal now is to get into the team, integrate myself within the group and enjoy playing for West Ham.”
What a signing this is for West Ham. This is one of the fastest, most athletic defenders in Europe, at a brilliant age, who has been billed as ‘world class’ and cost PSG £35m just a few years ago.
Kehrer will remind West Ham fans of a young Rio Ferdinand in many ways.
He is extremely fast and is one of Germany’s quickest players according to Sport Mob. When he was at Schalke, the Bundesliga’s official website described him as a potentially ‘world-class’ player.
Yes perhaps it can be argued Kehrer has not progressed as PSG might have hoped. But the French champions are hardly the most stable club for a young player, especially a defender, to be given time to adjust and grow.
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