Aaron Wan-Bissaka recently reflected on his summer move from Manchester United to West Ham, describing it as a “difficult” yet necessary step in his career. United had triggered a one-year extension on his contract to allow for a transfer fee, eventually agreeing to a £15 million deal with West Ham in August. This transfer offered Wan-Bissaka a fresh start back in his hometown of London, where he signed a seven-year contract with the Irons.
During his time at Old Trafford, Wan-Bissaka made 190 appearances, building a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best defenders despite some offensive limitations. His defensive contributions were instrumental in helping Manchester United secure victories in the 2023 Carabao Cup final and the 2024 FA Cup final. The right-back acknowledged the pride he felt playing for United and how impactful the journey was for him, despite the ups and downs.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Wan-Bissaka expressed how moving closer to home has brought a new chapter and challenges, emphasizing how much he values being nearer to family and friends. He said, “I’m happy to be back. It’s great to be closer to home and have my family’s support. The manager’s vision for West Ham and the opportunity to join a new project was a big attraction.” Wan-Bissaka also humorously noted that he doesn’t miss Manchester’s notoriously gloomy weather.
Wan-Bissaka’s transfer comes at a pivotal time for West Ham under the management of Julen Lopetegui. Though the club had set ambitious goals for the season, including potentially qualifying for European competition, they currently sit in a disappointing 15th place in the league. Wan-Bissaka’s addition to the team has brought defensive stability, and his performances are hoped to inspire a turnaround in West Ham’s fortunes as they look to climb the table.