West Ham announce their eighth summer signing as Julen Lopetegui finally gets his man
West Ham have announced the signing of Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The former Crystal Palace star has returned to London after signing a seven-year contract with the Hammers, in a deal believed to be worth £15million.
New West Ham Coach Julen Lopetegui had already tried to sign him previously Wan Bissaka for Wolves when he was still coach there last summer, but to no avail.
But the Spanish coach has been Backed in his first transfer window in charge of the London club after replacing David Moyes, with Wan-Bissaka being their eighth new signing this summer.
Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, Manchester United are planning to replace the 26-year-old with Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui.
Wan-Bissaka made 190 appearances for Manchester United, winning the FA Cup and EFL Cup, but after five seasons in Manchester he now returns to his home city.
“It was an obvious decision for me to join West Ham. I'm excited and happy to be here,” said the defender, who will wear the number 29 shirt for the Hammers.
“It's an amazing feeling to be back in London and I'm excited for what's to come. I was born here so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life, so to be playing in this city again means a lot to me.
“I'm happy to be here, grateful for the warm welcome and excited to play for the Club and I will give my best.
“I'm looking forward to getting on the pitch, meeting the players and moving forward. I see a team that is united, that will motivate each other to win, and a group that supports each other through thick and thin, so being a part of that and having that confidence helps a lot when you're surrounded by a good team.”
Wan-Bissaka joins German striker Niclas FullkrugWorld Cup-winning Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez and Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville are set to join the Hammers this summer.
Lopetegui has also brought in his former Wolves defender Max Kilman east London, with Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham also joining, and French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo arriving on an initial loan deal from Nice.
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It has also been a busy and productive first transfer window at the club for new manager Tim Steidten, who was keen to add more quality to the squad under Wan-Bissaka.
“I'm delighted that we've been able to close the deal to sign Aaron,” Steidten said.
“He is exactly the type of player we are looking to attract to this club in the prime of his career.
“He's an incredibly talented defender who we value highly, excellent in one-on-one situations. He's also versatile, which is clearly another positive point.”
“He has played over 170 Premier League games during his career and knows the division inside out.
“I would like to personally thank the Board for their continued support in bringing such quality players to West Ham. It is a really exciting time for us as we prepare for the start of the new season this weekend.”
