West Ham United’s 2024 summer transfer window has generated significant excitement among their fans.
The Hammers have bolstered their squad with the acquisitions of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, and Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme.
These new signings, coupled with the arrival of new manager Julen Lopetegui, have sparked hope that the east London club can recapture the European heights they reached under David Moyes in 2023.
However, while the summer business has been promising, there is one crucial piece of business that West Ham cannot afford to overlook.
As Vladimir Coufal approaches his 32nd birthday, the club has been linked with a move for Manchester United’s out-of-favour right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Given the increasing importance of the full-back position in modern football, missing out on Wan-Bissaka’s signature would be a significant setback for the Hammers as they aim for success in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Why West Ham Must Sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka
West Ham are eager to sign Wan-Bissaka, who Gary Neville has previously described as “outstanding.”
The need for a new right-back has been amplified by the departure of Ben Johnson on a free transfer, leaving the full-back position in need of strengthening.
Reports from Football Insider suggest that West Ham and Wan-Bissaka had already reached a verbal agreement.
However, with Inter Milan now attempting to hijack the deal and Wan-Bissaka reportedly preferring a move abroad, West Ham must act quickly to secure his signature.
Coufal played in all but two Premier League games last season, establishing himself as a reliable asset. However, if the Czech Republic international were to sustain an injury next season, Lopetegui would face the difficult choice of either promoting a youngster from the academy or playing Emerson or Aaron Cresswell out of position. The addition of Wan-Bissaka would provide necessary depth and quality in the right-back position.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also an Upgrade
Beyond addressing a personnel gap, signing Wan-Bissaka would represent an upgrade for West Ham.
Although he may not be as strong in attacking areas, the former England U-21 star has proven himself to be a reliable defender.
Known for his pace, slide tackling, and game-reading abilities, Wan-Bissaka was described by Jamie Carragher in 2020 as the “best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world.”
His addition would complement the defensive services of Kilman, Nayef Aguerd, and Alphonse Areola, fitting perfectly with Lopetegui’s coaching style, which emphasizes a well-drilled defense.
At Manchester United, Wan-Bissaka has been a polarizing figure. While some fans have supported his starting position, managers have often preferred Diogo Dalot since Wan-Bissaka’s arrival in 2018.
Despite this, there have been moments throughout his career that highlight his potential to be a valuable asset for top clubs. Being six years younger than West Ham’s current first-choice right-back, the potential reward of signing Wan-Bissaka far outweighs the risk.
In summary, securing Aaron Wan-Bissaka would address a crucial need for West Ham, providing both depth and quality to their squad.
His defensive prowess and experience would be invaluable as the Hammers aim for a successful 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
