Wan-Bissaka shares Lopetegui reveal amid West Ham United sack pressure
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has revealed that Julen Lopetegui spoke to him about the West Ham United project to convince him to join the club this summer.
The right-back signed for the Hammers in a deal worth 15 million from Manchester United [The Athletic, 10 August], and he has since been an integral part of the Spanish manager’s plans.
Lopetegui is under pressure after a poor start to the season, but the club don’t plan on sacking him just yet [The Telegraph, 7 November].
Speaking exclusively to the London Standard [8 November], the 26-year-old defender has opened up about the Spaniard’s role in his transfer.
“He was telling me that he wanted me to come, explaining his project, and it did persuade me,” Wan-Bissaka said.
“I was happy with the direction the club was going and the plans he had. It made sense for me to be a part of that.”
Aaron Wan-Bissaka renaissance at West Ham United
Wan-Bissaka built his reputation at another London-based club in Crystal Palace before moving to Manchester.
The defender made his way to Old Trafford with many expectations regarding his potential, but he arguably wasn’t able to reach the heights that many had imagined.
At West Ham, the 26-year-old has found a club that isn’t as demanding as the Red Devils and where his defensive qualities will be appreciated.
Despite the 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest on 2 November, the right-back was one of the better performers for Lopetegui’s team on the day.
Wan-Bissaka’s importance in the team can be seen from the fact that he has started in each of the last eight matches for the Hammers in the league.
The Irons had a strong transfer window this summer, adding quality to the backline, but unfortunately, that hasn’t been reflected in the team’s results so far.
With the revamping of the defence, though, Wan-Bissaka and others arguably need a bit more time to build chemistry and get the team back to its best.
In other West Ham news, the club want to bring a striker from PSG to the London Stadium.
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