Aaron Wan-Bissaka is on the brink of leaving Manchester United after being deemed surplus to requirements by manager Erik ten Hag. The 26-year-old right-back, once seen as a long-term solution for United’s defensive woes, is now close to joining West Ham United, with personal terms reportedly agreed.
Wan-Bissaka, who joined Manchester United from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019 for a hefty £50 million, has had a mixed spell at Old Trafford. Despite making 190 appearances over five seasons, the defender has struggled to consistently impress under multiple managers. Erik ten Hag’s arrival last summer marked a new era for United, one in which Wan-Bissaka’s role became increasingly uncertain.
The move to West Ham comes after the Hammers identified the former England Under-21 international as a potential key signing. West Ham, keen to strengthen their squad after a challenging Premier League campaign, have reportedly made significant progress in securing Wan-Bissaka’s services. According to Sky Germany, the defender has agreed to a five-year contract with the East London club, with the breakthrough in negotiations happening as recently as Thursday.
Although personal terms have been agreed, the two clubs have yet to settle on a transfer fee. Manchester United are said to be holding out for around £18 million, while West Ham are hoping to secure the deal for a fee slightly above £10 million. This difference in valuation is the final hurdle that both parties need to overcome before the transfer can be finalized.
Wan-Bissaka’s departure from Manchester United marks the end of a turbulent period at the club. Despite his defensive capabilities, which include strong tackling and positional awareness, Wan-Bissaka struggled to adapt to the attacking demands placed on modern full-backs. His contribution of two goals and 13 assists in five seasons reflects his limited impact in the final third, a key area of concern for United’s management.
However, Wan-Bissaka has shown flashes of potential, particularly under Ten Hag, who he credits for helping him develop his game. “It’s been good. Especially for myself. I’ve learned a lot under him. And there’s more to come, more improvement to be done,” Wan-Bissaka said last August. “So, yeah, I’m happy. He’s helped the team. You can see the team’s transition has changed.”
For West Ham, the signing of Wan-Bissaka could represent a significant upgrade in their defensive options. Known for his defensive solidity, Wan-Bissaka could add much-needed stability to West Ham’s backline. His experience at a top club like Manchester United, combined with his desire to prove himself in a new environment, could make him a valuable asset for David Moyes’ side.
This potential move also raises questions about West Ham’s longtrategy. With a five-year contract reportedly on the table, the Hammers seem to view Wan-Bissaka as a long-term investment. The move could also signal West Ham’s intent to compete more aggressively in the Premier League, building a squad capable of challenging for European places.
As negotiations continue, both clubs will be eager to finalize the deal before the transfer window closes. For Wan-Bissaka, a move to West Ham offers a fresh start and the opportunity to reignite his career away from the intense spotlight of Manchester United. Whether this transfer proves to be a turning point for Wan-Bissaka and a masterstroke for West Ham remains to be seen, but the potential impact on both parties could be significant.
