West Ham United have announced the signing of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
The 26-year-old has agreed a seven-year deal with West Ham and will wear the No 29 shirt.
He becomes their eighth summer signing and the second defender to join the Hammers in recent days, following the arrival of centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2025.
Wan-Bissaka is West Ham ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/52pXINQ1dT
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 13, 2024
What did he have to say?
“It was a no-brainer for me to join West Ham - I’m excited and happy to be here,” Wan-Bissaka said on the club's official website.
“I can’t wait to get on the pitch, get to know the players, and push on from there. I see a team that is in it together, that will push each other to win, and a group that has got each others' backs through thick and thin, so being part of that and having that insurance helps a lot when you are surrounded by a good squad.”
Who is Aaron Wan-Bissaka?
Born in Croydon, south London, on 26 November 1997, Wan-Bissaka joined the academy at local club Crystal Palace as an 11-year-old, where he started out as a winger.
He progressed through the ranks and made his senior debut during the 2017/18 season. Wan-Bissaka enjoyed a brilliant campaign the following season and then earned a move to Man Utd ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
To date, the defender has made 172 Premier League appearances across both clubs. He has contributed to 51 clean sheets and had 15 goal involvements, including 13 assists. Wan-Bissaka has represented England at both Under-21 and Under-23 levels, and although he was called up by the senior squad in 2019, he was forced to withdraw through injury.
What type of player is he?
Wan-Bissaka is capable of pushing further up the pitch, but his strengths lie in his defensive third. He is quick and adept when defending one-on-one, or making crucial slide tackles.
Technical director Tim Steidten added: “He’s an incredibly talented defender who we rate very highly - superb in one-on-one situations. He’s versatile too, which is clearly another positive.”
See: Seven things you need to know about Wan-Bissaka
How will he fit in at West Ham?
Despite finishing in the top half of the table, West Ham conceded more goals than any other non-relegated side last season. Wan-Bissaka’s defensive abilities could help improve this statistic.
He will be fighting Vladimir Coufal for a starting position in Julen Lopetegui’s squad this season as they look to push for a European place.
West Ham's summer transfer activity
Wan-Bissaka is West Ham’s eighth transfer of the summer window. He joins Todibo, Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez as new signings.
The Hammers have sold or released eight players so far, most notably Said Benrahma and Thilo Kehrer.
When could he make his debut?
West Ham begin their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa on 17 August.
