West Ham United may have reason to monitor Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s start to life at Aston Villa after a difficult Champions League night for the defender.
Wan-Bissaka joined Villa on loan last month, with West Ham confirming his departure contained a conditional obligation to buy.
The permanent fee has been reported at around £18million, but the conditions are significant.
Hammers News previously reported that the obligation depends on Wan-Bissaka reaching certain appearance and starting thresholds, meaning a permanent move is not guaranteed.
That makes his position under Unai Emery relevant to West Ham.
Wan-Bissaka endures difficult Aston Villa night
Wan-Bissaka started Villa’s 3-2 Champions League victory against Club Brugge on Wednesday but endured a difficult evening.
The 28-year-old conceded a second-half penalty after VAR intervened for handball.
UEFA’s official explanation states that Wan-Bissaka’s left hand was in an unnatural position and away from his body when the ball struck him.
Emery replaced the former Hammer after 68 minutes.
Daily Mail Aston Villa reporter Tom Collomosse subsequently suggested the Villa head coach would have been alarmed by the performance, as reported by Hammers News.
It remains far too early to suggest that one difficult match will determine Wan-Bissaka’s Villa future.
But West Ham have a financial reason to hope he establishes himself.
West Ham need Wan-Bissaka clause triggered
The Hammers initially allowed Wan-Bissaka to leave after a summer in which his future became increasingly uncertain.
ReadWestHam had previously examined why his defensive numbers made selling Wan-Bissaka a difficult decision before his eventual departure.
Villa then emerged as one of the leading destinations as Wan-Bissaka moved closer to leaving West Ham.
Reports place the potential permanent payment at around £18m, while Claret & Hugh claims West Ham have already received a £3m loan fee.
That could make the entire package worth approximately £21m if the obligation is activated.
West Ham raised significant money during their summer rebuild, which ReadWestHam assessed in our full transfer-window verdict.
Wan-Bissaka becoming a regular at Villa would therefore provide another useful future boost.
One Champions League setback changes little on its own.
But because West Ham’s £18m payment depends on him playing enough football, his place in Emery’s plans is now worth following.
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