Chelsea eye wantaway €18m bargain as Thiago Silva replacement
Tom Weber
- 6 Dec 2023 11:46 CST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are interested in Jonathan Tah, according to German media.
The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back could finally get the Premier League move he has desired for so long. In the summer, Tah reportedly handed in a transfer request and was linked with West Ham, but nothing ultimately materialised.
The player was ready to move on after Leverkusen had battled against the drop for much of the season, likely not expecting Xabi Alonso to turn them into title challengers. Despite his desire to leave, Tah kept his place in the side and has been a crucial part of Leverkusen's success this term.
Highly rated from a young age, the 27-year-old has often struggled to consistently show his talents, but playing in Leverkusen's back three has hidden his weaknesses and emphasised his strengths, mainly his passing ability and athleticism. It's highly likely that he will finally get his move in 2024.
Chelsea want Silva successor
Tah's current deal is up in 2025, which means that Leverkusen will have to sell next year. Earlier in the year, Tah joined up with superagent Pini Zahavi in anticipation of a move, though it must be said that it's not impossible for Leverkusen to get him to sign a new deal, as they did with Jeremie Frimpong recently despite his desire to move.
Nevertheless, given Tah's decent form this season, it's nigh on inconceivable that no club will look to trigger his bargain €18 million release clause. The German currently boasts an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €23m.
According to BILD's Christian Falk, Chelsea could be the club to trigger his clause. The Blues are looking for a successor to 39-year-old Thiago Silva, whose deal is up at the end of the season and looks unlikely to be extended. The journalist has confirmed that Chelsea hold a credible interest in the 27-year-old.
