---
title: "West Ham identify three replacements for £25m star"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/08/04/west-ham-identify-three-replacements-for-25m-star/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-08-04T11:40:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-04T11:40:00Z"
---

# West Ham identify three replacements for £25m star

**West Ham are assessing three potential right-back signings with Aaron Wan-Bissaka now considered increasingly likely to leave before the transfer window closes.**

Hammarby defender Hampus Skoglund is among the players the Hammers have looked at, alongside Coventry City’s Kaine Kesler-Hayden and KV Mechelen youngster Thérence Koudou.

Wan-Bissaka’s future has been uncertain since West Ham were relegated from the Premier League, with interest emerging from several clubs across Europe. Nuno Espírito Santo can already call on Kyle Walker-Peters, but the latest recruitment work suggests another right-back could arrive if Wan-Bissaka moves on.

[ReadWestHam previously examined why replacing Wan-Bissaka would create another significant recruitment decision for Nuno](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/26/four-statistics-prove-west-ham-cannot-afford-to-sell-aaron-wan-bissaka/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). West Ham rejected an approach from Lazio earlier in the window and have been looking for a suitable deal rather than allowing the defender to leave cheaply.

> West Ham are looking at backup options at Right-Back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to leave. The following have been looked at:\
> \
> • Hampus Skoglund – Hammarby\
> • Kaine Kesler-Hayden – Coventry City\
> • Thérence Koudou – KV Mechelen\
> \
> \[[@ExWHUEmployee](https://x.com/ExWHUEmployee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)\] [#WHUFC](https://x.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#COYI](https://x.com/hashtag/COYI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/naVrSlNbq7](https://t.co/naVrSlNbq7)
>
> — West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews\_) [August 3, 2026](https://x.com/WestHamViews_/status/2084270062714617963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## West Ham consider three right-back options

According to ExWHUEmployee, West Ham have looked at Skoglund as they prepare for the possibility of Wan-Bissaka departing. The 22-year-old has established himself with Hammarby in Sweden and is under contract until the end of 2029, while his performances have also attracted interest from elsewhere in Europe.

Kesler-Hayden provides a more familiar option. The 23-year-old joined Coventry permanently from Aston Villa last summer and can play as a conventional full-back or further forward as a wing-back, giving Nuno the type of positional flexibility he has often valued.

Koudou is the youngest of the three at 21 and has emerged as another player on West Ham’s radar. [Reports in Belgium have also confirmed West Ham’s interest in the KV Mechelen defender](https://www.voetbalbelgie.be/artikel/kv-mechelen-west-h?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with new head of recruitment Nils Koppen believed to have admired the France Under-21 international for some time.

There is no indication that West Ham have settled on a preferred target or opened advanced negotiations for any of the trio. Their presence on the shortlist instead shows the club are planning for life after Wan-Bissaka rather than waiting for his departure before searching for a replacement.

Walker-Peters would be capable of starting regularly in the Championship, so West Ham do not necessarily need an expensive first-choice replacement. A younger player who can provide competition now and develop into a longer-term option could make more sense as Nuno continues reshaping the squad.