Man United exit for West Ham a ‘no-brainer’ £15m transfer

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has called his move from Manchester United to West Ham a “no-brainer” after signing a seven-year deal to return to London in a £15 million transfer.

Former Crystal Palace right-back Wan-Bissaka, who won the FA Cup and EFL Cup during five seasons at United, has become new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui’s seventh signing since the Spaniard succeeded David Moyes in July.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m excited for what’s coming. I was born here, so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life. To be back playing in this city means a lot to me.

“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.

“[They are] 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.”

Wan-Bissaka is West Ham ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/52pXINQ1dT

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 13, 2024

Wan-Bissaka Man United stats

A Palace academy product who won the Eagles’ Young Player of the Year award in 2017-18, Wan-Bissaka joined United for an initial £45m in June 2019.

Wan-Bissaka made the most tackles of any Premier League player in 2019-20 and went on to start in the 2020-21 Uefa Europa League final, which United lost 11-10 on penalties following a 1-1 draw with Villarreal.

He featured in five of United’s final 21 matches of the 2021-22 season and was hindered by injuries during the first half of the subsequent campaign before beginning to play more regularly.

A few words from Wan-Bissaka 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FIvhzJbesm

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 13, 2024

All but three minutes of United’s closing 12 games of last season featured Wan-Bissaka, including their 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The former DR Congo and England youth international was called up to the Three Lions’ senior team in 2019 but withdrew through a back injury.

West Ham fixtures, schedule

West Ham have spent more than £100m since appointing Lopetegui as they bid to improve on a ninth-placed finish in 2023-24.

Their Premier League campaign starts at home to Aston Villa on Saturday (5.30pm BST) and proceeds to a trip to Palace on August 24 (3pm).