- West Ham United are expected to sell numerous members of their playing squad
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka will likely be one
- The DR Congo defender has been highlighted by Crystal Palace fans for a prospective return
West Ham United’s relegation from the Premier League has opened the door for the majority of the playing squad to find an exit away from the London Stadium. A host of players have been linked with a move away, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who’s been floated for a prospective return to his former side.
Since joining the Hammers from Manchester United in 2024, the right-back has solidified himself as one of the club’s commendable contributors, despite a challenging season that resulted in the drop to the Championship after a 14-year stay in the top-flight.
However, with West Ham facing a massive rebuilding job and some of their best players set to garner interest across Europe, Wan-Bissaka’s other former club, Crystal Palace, has been urged by their supporters to explore a deal for the Eagles academy product.
Crystal Palace fans call for Aaron Wan-Bissaka return as West Ham future comes under spotlight
In a BBC Sport fan discussion about which players Palace should seek from the three relegated clubs – West Ham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Burnley – Wan-Bissaka’s name was widely mentioned.
One of the commentators, Darren, was among those keen on a Selhurst Park reunion, saying: “Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Summerville from West Ham and Gomes from Wolves please. That would surely add strength in depth. We will need a larger squad to cope with the workload from the Europa League.”
Supporters often emphasised the necessity for more cover on the right side of their defence. Daniel Munoz had another excellent season under Glasner and is the first choice at right wing-back, but supporters feel Wan-Bissaka’s flexibility and experience will be vital in a busy fixture calendar after the club confirmed another European campaign following the club’s Conference League triumph on Wednesday.
Tony echoed that sentiment, saying: “We need cover for Daniel Munoz at right wing-back. Wan-Bissaka could be another former player tempted to return to Selhurst Park for a couple of years with eyes on playing in a European competition again.”
Another Palace supporter, Michael, admitted a move for Jarrod Bowen would be his dream scenario but acknowledged Wan-Bissaka may be a more realistic target.
“Would love to get Jarrod Bowen, who chose West Ham over Palace, but suspect there will be more attractive suitors this time as well. Could bring Wan-Bissaka back home, as useful cover/back-up for Munoz,” he said.
How valuable is Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka progressed through Crystal Palace’s academy before breaking into the first squad during the 2017-18 season. His impressive displays earned him a £50 million transfer to Manchester United in 2019, where he remained for five years before moving to East London.
The 28-year-old defender has added to his reputation by becoming a regular for DR Congo and helped the African nation qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
While there is no concrete reporting on West Ham actively attempting to sell, the club’s relegation would suggest getting rid of high earners, which Wan-Bissaka’s contract until 2031 represents, would be high on priority as Premier League demand grows, with Everton credited with interest.
The services of Transfermarkt value Wan-Bissaka at £19 million. The Hammers bought the Croydon-born defender for a reported £15 million fee, and could easily command just under double that for a player whose defensive specialist skills would be well-suited to numerous roles as Palace continue to craft out their post-Oliver Glasner life.
