Profile: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Your scounting report on our eighth summer signing
Age: 26
Nationality: English
Position: Right back
Transfer fee: £15 million
Wan-Bissaka: "“It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London, and I’m excited for what’s coming”.
Wan-Bissaka: "I see a team that is in it together, that will push each other to win, and a group that has got each others’ backs”.
Sky Sports
Crystal Palace
Born in Croydon, on 26 November, 1997, Aaron Wan-Bissaka's footballing journey began at the age of 11 when he joined the Crystal Palace youth academy. Initially deployed as a winger, Wan-Bissaka's versatility was quickly recognised by the coaching staff at Crystal Palace. Under the guidance of Frank de Boer, the Dutchman's penchant for a wing-back system unveiled Wan-Bissaka's defensive capabilities, prompting a positional shift.
Wan-Bissaka's first-team debut for Crystal Palace came in February 2018, amidst an injury crisis that thrust him into the spotlight against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite a 1-0 defeat, the young defender's performance caught the eye of pundits and fans, earning him the club's Player of the Month award a month later.
As 2018/19 season progressed Wan-Bissaka established himself as a mainstay in the Crystal Palace backline. His exceptional displays were rewarded with the club's Player of the Year accolade.
Advert
Manchester United
In June 2019, Manchester United secured his services for £50 million, making him the most expensive uncapped English player at the time of his transfer. Wan-Bissaka made his debut in a 4-0 victory over Chelsea on 11 August 2019. His first season at Old Trafford was a success, with the right-back making the highest number of tackles in the 2019/20 Premier League season.
The 2020/21 campaign witnessed Wan-Bissaka's continued evolution, as he not only excelled defensively but also contributed offensively, scoring his first professional goal in a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. His performances earned him a place in the UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season.
Wan-Bissaka faced injuries and illnesses that sidelined him for significant periods during the 2022/23 season. However, he returned after the World Cup break, earning praise from manager Erik ten Hag for his remarkable improvements.
Internationals
While Wan-Bissaka's allegiance to the English national team appeared unwavering initially, with appearances for the Under-20 and Under-21 sides, speculation surrounding a potential switch to represent his ancestral Democratic Republic of the Congo at the senior level has surfaced in recent years.
West Ham United
In August 2024, Wan-Bissaka joined West Ham United on a seven-year contract for a reported fee of £15 million. Wan-Bissaka's arrival at the London Stadium was met with excitement and anticipation, as the Hammers secured the services of a player who had already amassed over 170 Premier League appearances and invaluable experience in European competitions. His versatility and defensive prowess promises to bolster West Ham's backline.
Renowned for his pace, slide tackling, and ability to excel in one-on-one defensive duels, Wan-Bissaka's defensive prowess has been widely acclaimed. Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, even hailed him as "the best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world" in 2020.
Career Summary
Crystal Palace (2016-2019)
Matches: 42
Goals: 0
Manchester United (2019-2024)
Matches: 130
Goals: 2
West Ham United (2024-Present)
Honours
Crystal Palace
Young Player of the Year (2017/18)
Player of the Year (2018/19)
Manchester United
FA Cup winner (2023/24)
EFL Cup winner (2022/23)
UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season (2020/21)