West Ham announce eighth summer signing as Julen Lopetegui finally gets his man

West Ham have announced the signing of Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The former Crystal Palace star has returned to London after signing a seven-year deal worth £15 million with the Hammers.

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New West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui had already tried in vain to sign Wan-Bissaka for Wolves last summer when he was still coach there.

However, the Spanish head coach received support in his first transfer window at the helm of the London club after replacing David Moyes; Wan-Bissaka is their eighth signing of the summer.

Meanwhile, Man United are planning to replace the 26-year-old with Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui at Old Trafford.

Wan-Bissaka made 190 appearances for Man United, winning the FA Cup and EFL Cup, but after five seasons in Manchester, he is now returning to his hometown.

“It was a no-brainer for me to join West Ham. I’m excited and happy to be here,” said the defender, who will wear the number 29 shirt for the Hammers.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be back in London and I’m excited about what’s to come. I was born here and so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big role in my life. So it means a lot to me to be playing in this city again.

“I am happy to be here, grateful for the warm welcome and excited to be able to play for the club and will give it my all.”

“I can’t wait to get on the field, meet the players and take it from there. I see a team that sticks together, that pushes each other to win, and a group that supports each other through thick and thin. Being a part of that and having that security helps a lot when you’re surrounded by a good team.”

Wan-Bissaka joins a Hammers squad this summer, including German striker Niclas Füllkrug, Argentine midfielder and World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez and Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville.

Lopetegui has also brought his former Wolves defender Max Kilman to east London; Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham have also joined, and French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo has initially joined on loan from Nice.

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It was also a busy and productive first transfer window for the new technical director Tim Steidten, who wanted to add even more quality to the squad with Wan-Bissaka.

“I am pleased that we were able to complete the deal to sign Aaron,” said Steidten.

“He is exactly the type of player we want to bring to this club in the best years of his career.

“He is an incredibly talented defender who we value very highly – excellent in one-on-one situations. He is also versatile, which is definitely another plus point.

“He has played over 170 Premier League games in his career – he knows the league inside and out.

“I would like to personally thank the board for their continued support in bringing players of this quality to West Ham. It is a really exciting time for us as we prepare for the start of the new season this weekend.”