The latest speculation surrounding Manchester United involves their defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is reportedly seeking a hefty pay-off to depart from the club this summer. The 26-year-old was initially expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2023-24 season, but the Red Devils decided to activate a 12-month extension in his contract earlier this year.
Despite the extension, Wan-Bissaka has not been offered a long-term deal by Manchester United, leaving his future at the club uncertain under manager Erik ten Hag. The right-back, who joined the club from Crystal Palace for £50m in 2019, has played 190 games for the Red Devils, but has struggled to meet the attacking demands of Ten Hag.
In the transfer market, Manchester United have reportedly targeted Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui as a potential replacement for Wan-Bissaka and are in talks with the German club regarding a transfer fee. West Ham United were also interested in Mazraoui, but have shifted their focus to Wan-Bissaka after falling behind in the negotiations.
It is believed that Wan-Bissaka is open to a move to West Ham on a permanent basis, but an agreement between the two clubs is yet to be reached. Inter Milan have entered the race for the defender as well, reaching out to Manchester United about a potential deal. Wan-Bissaka is said to prefer a move abroad over staying in the Premier League.
Despite the interest from other clubs, the report suggests that Wan-Bissaka could choose to stay at Manchester United and leave on a free transfer in 2025, which would see him receive a substantial signing-on fee. His representatives are reportedly pushing for a portion of any transfer fee the Red Devils may receive in order to facilitate a move this summer.
Wan-Bissaka, who currently earns £90,000 a week at Manchester United, is seeking a significant wage increase if he were to leave the club. This demand is something that West Ham, among other interested parties, may struggle to match at present. The right-back’s future remains up in the air as the transfer saga unfolds.
