West Ham Online

"OS West Ham United complete signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The right-back, 26, joins the Hammers from Manchester United on a seven-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The Londoner moves to London Stadium after making 190 appearances for the Red Devils across five seasons, during which he developed into one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League, won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and started a UEFA Europa League final. The Crystal Palace Academy graduate has been a Premier League regular since the age of 19, appeared 35 times in European competitions and been capped by England at Under-21 level. Now, he will continue his career in his home city. “It was a no brainer for me to join West Ham – I’m excited and happy to be here,” said the 26-year-old, who will wear the No29 shirt. “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.” Obi-Wan spacer"

Lato wrote: ↑25 Feb 2025, 13:23 IMHO our best player this season by a country mile. A great defender but, some said not good when going forward. Well he has blown that myth right out the water. Doubled his goal tally this season and an assist on Saturday. At absolute steal at 15M. What were the Manc's thinking? Surely must be in consideration for the next England squad!

IMHO our best player this season by a country mile. A great defender but, some said not good when going forward. Well he has blown that myth right out the water. Doubled his goal tally this season and an assist on Saturday. At absolute steal at 15M. What were the Manc's thinking? Surely must be in consideration for the next England squad!

For me he's the current man to beat for HotY and hopefully Potter continues with the 3-5-2 which really allows AWB to flourish, we  just need Scarles to get forward as much on the left.

As for our better RBs over the years, I always liked Tim Breacker and thought he was very underrated

SurfaceAgentX2Zero wrote: ↑24 Feb 2025, 19:09

El Scorchio" wrote: ↑23 Feb 2025, 09:37

Alfs wrote: ↑23 Feb 2025, 01:08 When we signed him I had a look on the Man Utd forums to see what they were saying about losing him.  There was a lot of positivity about his defending but the main complaint was that he was crap going forward.  That's not what I'm seeing.  He'll be in the England squad if he keep it up.

Nah. Wrong colour shirt. And don’t forget he’s got to compete against the greatest footballer to ever live ‘Trent’ for a place. 

Did anyone ever see St Trent Alexander-Arnold and St Marcus Smith in the same room?

   

El Scorchio" wrote: ↑23 Feb 2025, 09:37

Alfs wrote: ↑23 Feb 2025, 01:08 When we signed him I had a look on the Man Utd forums to see what they were saying about losing him.  There was a lot of positivity about his defending but the main complaint was that he was crap going forward.  That's not what I'm seeing.  He'll be in the England squad if he keep it up.

Nah. Wrong colour shirt. And don’t forget he’s got to compete against the greatest footballer to ever live ‘Trent’ for a place. 

easthammer wrote: ↑24 Feb 2025, 10:42

scott_d wrote: ↑24 Feb 2025, 08:07 Considering (as some have pointed out) the negativity around his attacking abbilities when he joined us, I'd struggle to find a better attacking RB we've ever had ?





 

 

Not wishing to argue that for you it might be true, but "ever had " covers a lot of years.  A certain Mr Billy Bonds joined the club from Charlton as an attacking right back. But I do agree that AWB is good but I won't get carried away on less than the half-season performances, but so far so good.

I absolutely love him. I thought it was great business when we signed him, and I think he’ll be a great servant for the next few years. 

Criminally underrated and should be considered for England as cover. 

Will deservedly win HotY. 

The Croydon Cafu

love that

Coufal in his first season with us was exceptional. I remember him getting quite a few assists. Never did get a goal for us though.

scott_d wrote: ↑24 Feb 2025, 08:07 Considering (as some have pointed out) the negativity around his attacking abbilities when he joined us, I'd struggle to find a better attacking RB we've ever had ?




 

 

He reminds me of one of those players who doesn't seem to look like he knows what he is doing, or you think he will lose the ball, but he usually ends up prevailing. A great ball over to Bowen and a great signing. With Scarles emerging on the other side we could have for the first time in a long time two very competent full/wing backs. Was reading that Scarles usually played central mid for the U-21's?

Considering (as some have pointed out) the negativity around his attacking abbilities when he joined us, I'd struggle to find a better attacking RB we've ever had ?


 

Bossed it Saturday my HOTY no doubt, love watching the bloke

For those suggesting that he is made HOTY a word of warning - the last Right Back to receive that honour after an outstanding first season was Sebastien Schemmel. And we all know what happened the following year.

Well, 7 year contract which takes him to 34
let’s hope to get at least 4-5 really good seasons and then that he’s still useful for the remainder rather than dropping off horribly after 2-3 and becoming another expensive millstone. 

But yes in the here and now a very astute signing. Love the versatility as well, that he can play RWB or as part of a 3. I guess at a pinch cover LWB as well if he has to. That sort of player is important for a club like us. 

Come On You Irons" wrote: ↑13 Aug 2024, 12:42 Please let this last minute issue torpedo the deal. I don't want this Man Utd reject anywhere near the club. Really thought we had moved on as a club from signing Man Utd's cast offs.

"big fish in a small bowl" ( well our souless "bowl" is quite big but you know what I mean ) .  No longer surrounded by all expensive prima donnas who think they are god's gift to the game.  Our players see him as a leader through example and its motivating or leading him to play at his best. He is also reaching his peak years.   One player Salthouse connection got us that is great value.

He was really good player before Man Utd got him. Kind of rotted a bit there, played in patches, wasnt really an established starter. Seems to have found some confidence in our team. He doesnt always have an amazing game but does stand out and has shown he's not just a good defender but he has good technical skills as well. Probably been the brightest light from our signings and was a total bargain for 15m given the market these days. 

Classic player with a point to prove situation I think. And just wants to play football. Good had working pro. 

His reputation at Man U was that he was an excellent 1 on 1 defender but that he had no attacking game as said.
Seems a strange assessment having seen him for us.
Possibly was told to stay back as the likes of Fernandes would never cover for him
Has been a revelation 

Man U spent £50m on him , sold him for £15m & had to give him a £5m payoff to leave.
Then they presumably paid the £5m Mazroui’s agent was demanding for himself after our deal was agreed
Very expensive business to end up with an inferior player
And people wonder why Man U are floundering!

Alfs wrote: ↑23 Feb 2025, 01:08 When we signed him I had a look on the Man Utd forums to see what they were saying about losing him.  There was a lot of positivity about his defending but the main complaint was that he was crap going forward.  That's not what I'm seeing.  He'll be in the England squad if he keep it up.

HOTY

When we signed him I had a look on the Man Utd forums to see what they were saying about losing him.  There was a lot of positivity about his defending but the main complaint was that he was crap going forward.  That's not what I'm seeing.  He'll be in the England squad if he keep it up.

Takashi Miike" wrote: ↑22 Feb 2025, 20:00 just give him the HOTY trophy now, brilliant again today

Not just West Ham but has to be one of the best signings of the season in the PL especially given the fee paid.

If it was Nobes, then let him choose some more!