EXCLUSIVE: West Ham eye move for Bundesliga centre-back

Steve Kay

• Updated: 21 Jul 2023 16:07 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

West Ham are looking to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah even though his release clause has run out.

We are told Bayer would still sell if the right price is offered for the player, and that the Premier League side have a large interest in the 27-year-old.

Tah had a €18 million release clause inserted into his contract but the fact it’s now not active out has not deterred West Ham in making an approach.

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The Hammers recoup a significant sum from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, with some £105 million extra for their transfer kitty.

Tah has fallen down the ranks at Bayer while West Ham are looking to solidify their defence ahead of the upcoming season.

Tah open to Premier League move

Earlier this year, Tah admitted that a move to England would be enticing to him.

The German international said at the time: “The Premier League appeals to me, it has always been like that. I always had the feeling that my style of play would suit England well,” he said in an interview with SPOX.

“The physicality of the league and the need to think quickly are qualities that suit my game. Opinions differ as to which league is the best in the world – for me it’s the Premier League.”

“It may sound strange because I haven’t played that often lately, but I’m convinced that I can reach the top level in football,” said Tah.

“I’ve made a step forward, both on a sporting level and personally, but I don’t know where I’ll end up in the end.

“I have to be convinced that a transfer will help me. It depends on whether the club has their own philosophy or makes their philosophy dependent on the coach.

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“Then the question arises as to which system the coach uses and what he expects from his players, especially in my position.

“Of course, how the team is set up is also very important. How big is the competition in my position, which guys would I play with? So there are some factors to consider.”