- West Ham have made eight new summer signings now under Julen Lopetegui
- Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a long-term target for the Hammers
- Get breaking Premier League news straight to your phone on Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp channel
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has completed a move from Manchester United to West Ham in a deal worth £15million.
The right back has signed a seven-year deal at the London Stadium and becomes the Hammers eighth signing of the summer.
The defender has been a long-term target of the club but the deal appeared to have stalled in the last week over an exit settlement surrounding the reduction of his salary in east London.
But the transfer was pushed over the line on Monday after the defender completed his medical and he could make his debut in the season opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
‘It was a no brainer for me to join West Ham – I’m excited and happy to be here,’ Wan-Bissaka said.
Right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has joined West Ham from Manchester United for £15million
The club posted a video showing their latest player posing in his new claret and blue colours
‘It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London, and 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, 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.’
New head coach Julen Lopetegui had identified the defence as a key area for improvement after the club went 17 games without a clean sheet in the second half of last season.
Wan-Bissaka is the club’s third defensive signing, with Max Kilman having joined from Wolves in a £40million deal while Jean-Clair Todibo sealed a season-long loan from Nice at the weekend.
On Wan-Bissaka’s deal, technical director Tim Steidten said: ‘I am delighted we’ve been able to get the deal to sign Aaron over the line.
‘He’s exactly the type of player we’re looking to attract to this club in the prime years of his career.
‘He’s an incredibly talented defender who we rate very highly – superb in one-on-one situations. He’s versatile too, which is clearly another positive.
Julen Lopetegui’s side have now made eight signings in the summer transfer window
Technical director Tim Steidten was full of praise for the Hammers’ latest acquisition
‘He’s played over 170 Premier League games during his career – he knows the division inside-out.
‘I’d like to personally thank the Board for their continued backing to bring players of such quality to West Ham. It’s a really exciting time for us as we prepare for the start of the new season this weekend.’