West Ham Secures Wan-Bissaka in £15m Deal from Manchester United
2024-08-15 16:49- Manchester United completes defensive shake-up by signing de Ligt and Mazraoui.
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka seals a £15m move to West Ham, receiving support from former teammates.
- Julen Lopetegui continues defensive rebuild with Wan-Bissaka signing for West Ham.
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Insights
MANCHESTER, England—In a significant move to bolster their defense, Manchester United has signed Netherlands center back Matthijs de Ligt and Morocco full back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. De Ligt, 25, has agreed to a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, while Mazraoui, 26, has signed until June 2028, also with an extension option. Although the transfer fees were not disclosed, reports suggest a combined cost of approximately £60 million ($77 million) for the two players. The signings come on the heels of United's sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham for a reported £15 million ($19 million). Wan-Bissaka, known for his defensive prowess, will compete for the right-back position at West Ham, marking a return to London after five years at United. His departure is part of a broader defensive overhaul, which includes the recent acquisition of 18-year-old center back Leny Yoro from Lille for €62 million ($68 million). Following the announcement of his transfer, Wan-Bissaka expressed gratitude to Manchester United on social media, receiving well-wishes from former teammates. The move to West Ham, where he has signed a seven-year deal, was described by Wan-Bissaka as a "no-brainer," emphasizing his excitement to return to London, where he began his career. As West Ham prepares for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, they have made significant additions to their squad, including Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, and Jean-Clair Todibo, as new manager Julen Lopetegui reshapes the team.
Contexts
On August 10, 2024, Manchester United made a significant move by signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, aiming to bolster their defense for the upcoming season. The transfers involved substantial fees and long-term contracts, highlighting the club's commitment to improving performance. Just two days later, on August 12, Mazraoui sealed a €15 million deal with add-ons, solidifying his place in the team with a long-term contract. The arrival of De Ligt further strengthened United's defense, setting the stage for a more competitive squad. Moving forward to August 13, Manchester United secured signings from Bayern Munich, with de Ligt and Mazraoui officially joining the team in multi-million euro deals. These acquisitions signaled a strategic strengthening of the squad in preparation for upcoming challenges. Concurrently, West Ham made a bold move on August 13 by breaking records with over £120 million spent on new talent, including signings like Max Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug, and Crysencio Summerville. This ambitious investment hinted at a promising season ahead for the club. On August 14, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui responded to Danny Dyer's pre-season message, expressing affection and playfully acknowledging Dyer's daughter's influence on a star player. Meanwhile, Manchester United faced potential changes as Jadon Sancho was close to leaving the club, with PSG considering a swap deal that could help United address financial concerns. Additionally, Barcelona encountered a dilemma regarding Frenkie de Jong as Manchester United expressed interest in the player, potentially leading to actions against de Jong's preferences due to a bid from Man Utd and his former teammates already at the English club. Lastly, on August 14, Manchester United closely monitored Bruno Fernandes' contract talks, recognizing his pivotal role in the team's success and the implications his negotiations could have on the club's overall rebuild.
