On May 17, 2024, Thilo Kehrer, the 27-year-old German international defender, officially completed his permanent move from West Ham United to AS Monaco, signing a four-year contract that runs through June 2028. The transfer, confirmed by West Ham’s official website, follows a six-month loan spell that began in January 2024 — a move that was always designed with an eye toward permanence. Now, with the purchase option activated, Kehrer is firmly embedded in the heart of Monaco’s defensive line, ready to help lead the club into its first UEFA Champions League campaign since 2018/19.
From Loan to Lockdown: The Path to Permanence
Kehrer’s journey to Monaco began inauspiciously. He started the 2023/24 season at West Ham United, making just 12 appearances before the January transfer window opened. The decision to loan him out wasn’t a sign of failure — it was a tactical recalibration. AS Monaco, under head coach Adi Hütter, needed depth and experience in central defense. Kehrer, with his composure on the ball and disciplined positioning, fit perfectly. He played 17 games for the French giants in the second half of the season, helping them amass 80 points and finish second in Ligue 1. That result? It was enough to punch their ticket back to Europe’s elite competition.The financial terms? They’re messy, but telling. Tribuna.com reported a €11 million permanent fee, with an initial loan fee of just €500,000. Meanwhile, the Evening Standard cited £9.5 million — a figure that aligns more closely with the pound-based accounting of West Ham United. Either way, it’s a profitable exit for the London club, which originally paid £14.5 million to acquire Kehrer from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2022. His market value, now estimated at €20 million by Transfermarkt, suggests a significant return on investment.
Why Monaco Chose to Keep Him — And Why Milan Didn’t Get Him
The summer of 2025 brought a test of AS Monaco’s resolve. According to Tribuna.com, AC Milan made a late offer for Kehrer during the final days of the transfer window. The response? A firm, public rejection. That’s not just about loyalty — it’s about identity. AS Monaco isn’t just chasing Champions League money anymore; they’re building a team capable of competing in it. Kehrer, with his 21 caps for the Germany national football team and experience at the 2022 World Cup, brings exactly that.His background speaks volumes. Born in Tübingen, Germany, and of Burundian descent, Kehrer’s career has been a study in steady evolution: 103 appearances for FC Schalke 04, 79 for Paris Saint-Germain, then 50 for West Ham United. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need headlines — he just shows up, tackles, and reads the game.
A New Chapter in the Principality
The timing couldn’t be better. With Adi Hütter — the 54-year-old Austrian tactician who previously led Eintracht Frankfurt and BSC Young Boys — at the helm, AS Monaco is playing a high-press, possession-based game that demands defenders who can pass under pressure. Kehrer excels there. His ability to transition from defense to attack with crisp, short passes makes him ideal for Monaco’s system.And let’s not forget the emotional weight of the move. West Ham United released a heartfelt farewell: “Everyone at West Ham would like to thank Thilo for his efforts during his time in Claret and Blue, and wish him all the best for the future.” That’s not just protocol. It’s recognition. He gave them a Champions League final appearance in 2023 — one touch in the UEFA Europa Conference League final at Prague’s Eden Arena — and left with dignity.
What’s Next for Kehrer and Monaco?
Now, with his contract locked in until 2028, Kehrer is poised to become a cornerstone of AS Monaco’s rebuild. The club’s ambitions are clear: challenge for domestic titles, survive the Champions League group stage, and maybe, just maybe, go deep. Kehrer’s experience in high-stakes games — from the Bundesliga to the Premier League to the World Cup — gives them a rare edge.He’s not the most expensive defender in Europe. He’s not the flashiest. But he’s the kind of player who makes the whole machine run smoother. And in a season where Monaco will face the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, that kind of consistency is priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Thilo Kehrer leave West Ham United?
Kehrer’s move from West Ham was driven by both playing time and tactical fit. After starting the 2023/24 season with only 12 Premier League appearances, the club and player agreed a January loan to AS Monaco, where he immediately became a starter. His defensive reliability and ball-playing ability suited Monaco’s style better than West Ham’s more direct approach. The permanent transfer in May 2024 reflected his growing importance in Monaco’s Champions League-bound squad.
How much did AS Monaco pay for Thilo Kehrer?
Reports vary slightly: Tribuna.com cited €11 million, while the Evening Standard reported £9.5 million. The initial loan fee in January 2024 was just €500,000, making the permanent deal a significant but reasonable investment. Given his current €20 million market value and contract length, Monaco secured a long-term asset at a favorable price.
What role does Kehrer play in AS Monaco’s system?
Under coach Adi Hütter, Monaco plays a high-press, possession-heavy style that requires defenders who can pass accurately under pressure. Kehrer excels in this role, often acting as the first passer out of the backline. His experience in top leagues and international tournaments makes him ideal for handling the physical and tactical demands of the Champions League.
Did any other clubs try to sign Kehrer after his move to Monaco?
Yes. During the summer 2025 transfer window, AC Milan made a late offer for Kehrer, but AS Monaco rejected it outright. The club’s decision to turn down a major European contender underscores their long-term commitment to building a squad capable of competing in the Champions League, not just surviving it.
How has Kehrer performed in the Champions League so far?
Kehrer hasn’t yet played in the Champions League group stage, as Monaco only qualified for the 2024/25 campaign after finishing second in Ligue 1 in 2023/24. However, his experience in the Europa Conference League final with West Ham in 2023 — and his 21 caps for Germany — suggest he’s well-prepared for the pressure of Europe’s biggest matches.
What does Kehrer’s contract mean for West Ham United’s future transfers?
West Ham’s decision to sell Kehrer after a successful loan spell sets a precedent: they’re increasingly open to structured exits that include loan-to-buy clauses. This model helped them recoup value on a player who wasn’t fitting into their system, while still benefiting from his performance abroad. It may influence future deals for players like Nayef Aguerd or Kurt Zouma, who could follow a similar path.
