After two months of negotiations Aaron Wan-Bissaka has finally joined West Ham from Manchester United and his first words are interesting.
West Ham have tracked Aaron Wan-Bissaka for some time and so has their new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers boss wanted to sign Wan-Bissaka from Man United when he was at Wolves.
Now he finally has his man after West Ham agreed what’s believed to be a £15m deal with the Red Devils for the 26-year-old.
Wan-Bissaka’s move to the London Stadium will see Noussair Mazraoui join Man United imminently.
After protracted, on-off talks and a worrying late delay, the deal was signed and sealed on Tuesday morning and announced the same afternoon.
Hammers supporters are seriously excited by the capture of the former Palace right-back. Especially as it comes hot on the heels of the signing of centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
Ironcially Todibo would be a Man United player now had UEFA not blocked the move due to strict multi-club ownership rules.
Debate has raged among Manchester United fans about the sale of Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka aims clear dig at Man United boss
Many feel selling the defensive specialist will prove to be a big mistake.
Supporters have highlighted how key Wan-Bissaka has been in many of their big games in recent years. Most recently his last competitive performance for Man United – the FA Cup final victory over bitter rivals Man City.
It is natural that a player won’t necessarily have much good to say about a manager who has made it clear he wants to bring in someone else for their position.
Wan-Bissaka was not an Erik ten Hag signing and as he had entered the last year of his deal, the Dutchman was reportedly happy to sell him to West Ham if it meant getting Mazraoui.
Ten Hag reportedly feels Mazraoui is superior to Wan-Bissaka going forward and better suits the style he is trying to implement at Old Trafford.
On the flip side West Ham are desperate to tighten up defensively. And they should certainly do that now they have Todibo and – in Wan-Bissaka – on of the best one-on-one defenders around.
West Ham have now officially unveiled Wan-Bissaka and Man United have said their goodbyes.
But Wan-Bissaka has aimed a clear dig at Man United boss Ten Hag as he raves about new club West Ham.
Wan-Bissaka is known to be very close with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford – who have both found themselves on the wrong side of Ten Hag.
The manager has – rightly or wrongly criticised the duo.
There have been big question marks over the team spirit at Manchester United.
And Wan-Bissaka’s first words as a West Ham player – their eighth signing of the summer – appear to be very revealing.
Wan-Bissaka raves about new club West Ham
Wan-Bissaka says it was a ‘no brainer’ for him to join West Ham.
And he says he is excited and happy to be joining a squad that has each other’s backs through thick and thin.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London, and I’m excited for what’s coming,” Wan-Bissaka told the club’s website.
“I was born here, so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life, so to be back playing in this city means a lot to me.
“I’m happy to be here, am grateful for the warm welcome, and I am excited to be playing for the club and will give it my all.
“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.”
If that wasn’t a dig at Ten Hag then it’s certainly a slight on the squad he has just left behind.
The likes of Sky Sports have also noted the comments in their announcement of the deal.
Man United have wished Wan-Bissaka well at West Ham in their own statement.
They praised the man nicknamed ‘the spider’ and highlighted his contribution.
Man United thank departing star
“Wan-Bissaka became known for his tenacity in the tackle and impressive one-on-one defending,” the statement says.
“Wan-Bissaka was one of the Reds’ best performers on the day, largely reducing the influence of Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku to help ensure we lifted the famous old trophy for the 13th time.
“That was Aaron’s final competitive appearance for United, as he now moves on to pastures new in London, joining the Hammers in their first campaign under recently appointed head coach Julen Lopetegui.
“Everyone at United would like to thank Aaron for his contributions to the club and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Wan-Bissaka has signed a seven-year contract with West Ham taking him up to 2031.
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