Aston Villa have completed the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The 28-year-old right-back agreed personal terms earlier this week and has now passed his medical, making the move official.
Competition for Matty Cash
Villa were keen to bring in fresh competition for Matty Cash at right-back this summer. The club decided to let Andres Garcia and Kosta Nedeljkovic leave, with Garcia joining Getafe on loan and Nedeljkovic moving to Rangers in a deal expected to become permanent for £4 million.
Wan-Bissaka's arrival gives Villa an experienced option in defence. He joined West Ham two summers ago from Manchester United but was relegated with the Hammers last season. He made his intention to leave clear at the end of the campaign and was keen to join Villa once their interest became known.
Premier League experience
Wan-Bissaka made 65 appearances for West Ham, starting the vast majority of those games and recording 10 goal involvements. He has made 233 Premier League appearances in total and has won 16 caps for DR Congo.
At the World Cup, Wan-Bissaka started all four of DR Congo's games and impressed against England in the round of 32. His international form and domestic experience made him an attractive target for Villa.
Impact on Villa's squad
The loan move with a conditional obligation to buy gives Villa flexibility while adding depth to their defensive options. Wan-Bissaka will compete directly with Cash for the starting right-back spot, with the club having cleared space by allowing Garcia and Nedeljkovic to depart.
The transfer also resolves Wan-Bissaka's situation at West Ham, where he had made clear his desire to leave following their relegation to the Championship. Villa's interest provided him with a route back to Premier League football.
