Caleb Qwofi Right
German defender Thilo Kehrer has officially swapped West Ham for AS Monaco in a loan deal with a potential €11 million mandatory buy option. The move sees Kehrer return to Ligue 1, where he previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, after a six-month stint in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old made 27 appearances for West Ham during his debut season in England, helping the Hammers lift the Europa Conference League trophy. However, he found himself falling down the pecking order at the London Stadium following the arrival of Nayef Aguerd in the summer transfer window.
Monaco, meanwhile, have been keen to bolster their defensive options after conceding 29 goals in their first 19 Ligue 1 matches this season. Kehrer’s experience and versatility, as he can play both center-back and right-back, will be a valuable asset to Philippe Clement’s side.
The loan fee for Kehrer is reportedly €500,000, with the mandatory buy option coming into effect if Monaco achieve certain performance targets during his time at the club.
Speaking to the AS Monaco media, Kehrer expressed his delight at joining the club:
“I’m very happy to be here at AS Monaco. It’s a club with a great history and a lot of ambition, and I’m excited to be part of it. I’m looking forward to working with the coach and my new teammates, and I’m determined to help the team achieve its goals.”
Kehrer’s arrival could be the start of a busy transfer window for Monaco, who are also reportedly interested in signing a number of other players, including a new striker and a winger.
What This Means for Kehrer
The move to Monaco represents a fresh start for Kehrer, who will be hoping to rediscover the form that saw him earn a place in the German national team.
Playing in Ligue 1, a league that is known for its attacking style of play, could suit Kehrer’s strengths, which include his pace, athleticism, and ability to play out from the back.
If he can impress at Monaco, Kehrer could put himself back in contention for a place in the West Ham team next season. However, he will need to hit the ground running and show that he is capable of making a significant impact in France.
What This Means for Monaco
The signing of Kehrer is a coup for Monaco, who have been looking for a quality defender for some time. His experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable to a young Monaco team.
Kehrer’s arrival could also help to improve Monaco’s defensive record, which has been a cause for concern this season. If he can form a strong partnership with Benoit Badiashile at the heart of the defense, Monaco could be a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1.
Overall, the move to Monaco is a win-win situation for both Kehrer and the club. Kehrer gets a chance to prove himself in a new league, while Monaco gets a much-needed defensive upgrade. It will be interesting to see how Kehrer fares in France, and whether he can help Monaco achieve its goals this season.
