Walker-Peters transfer twist as new West Ham contract details emerge
West Ham have moved quickly to sign Kyle Walker-Peters after his move to Beşiktaş fell through.
Kyle Walker-Peters looked set to join Beşiktaş before the Turkish club released a harsh statement announcing that they had cancelled their contract offer for the versatile fullback.
They cited that the 28-year-old kept delaying the deal, leading them to grow frustrated with the situation and ultimately pulling out of the arrangement.
The Hammers leapt on the opportunity to reignite their interest in the former Southampton man and look set to sign Walker-Peters, as further details emerge over his contract.
West Ham to add option for extra year in Walker-Peters’ contract
Graham Potter will be delighted to secure a deal for Walker-Peters to cover for the departed Vladimír Coufal, and is expecting the former Southampton man to be a good fit for his system.
The English manager often deploys wingbacks as part of a back five, for which the versatile defender is ideally suited, having played as both a winger and a defender on both flanks for the Saints last season.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Southampton | 202 | 7 | 12 |
| Tottenham | 24 | 1 | 5 |
As such, it was widely reported that Walker-Peters has been offered a deal until 2028.
However, there has been a twist as The Athletic reported (18 July) that the Hammers have included an option for a one-year extension, effectively making it a four-year contract.
This is unlikely to hinder the defender’s ambition to join the Irons, though he may have reservations over how much game time he will be afforded before signing the long-term deal.
Potter still has work to do in defence
While Walker-Peters will offer West Ham a lot of quality and strength in depth, the Irons still need to make significant improvements to the back line.
Potter’s arrival saw an uptick in defensive solidity, but the Hammers were still guilty of conceding far too many goals, which will have irked the Englishman.
He will hope to get a better tune out of Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman, both of whom disappointed in their debut seasons at the London Stadium, but will also look to add at least one more central defender, especially if he is to persist with using a back three.
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