West Ham star “likely” to join Aston Villa or Everton as Moyes and Emery go head-to-head

West Ham may be about to lose another senior player as their painful rebuild following relegation continues.

The Hammers have already raised an enormous sum this summer, but that money has come at a heavy sporting cost.

Mateus Fernandes joined Tottenham for a reported £85 million, while Crysencio Summerville moved to Al-Hilal in a package worth up to £60 million. Freddie Potts has also left for Club Brugge after spending his entire academy life at West Ham.

Those deals have given Nuno Espírito Santo room to rebuild, yet replacing so much quality while preparing for a Championship promotion campaign won’t be easy in the slightest.

Jarrod Bowen has provided one major boost by committing himself to the club.

The captain wants to lead West Ham back into the Premier League, but not every established player appears ready to follow him into the second tier.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has looked like a possible departure since relegation was confirmed.

The 28-year-old joined from Man United for around £15 million in 2024 and signed a long contract running until 2031.

He quickly established himself on the right side, bringing the recovery pace and tackling ability which had made him a regular at Old Trafford.

Last season was more difficult, with the Congolese defender making 27 appearances across all competitions and providing three assists in 2,205 minutes.

He featured at right-back, right midfield and occasionally in central defence as West Ham struggled for stability, but his individual qualities still make him attractive to Premier League clubs.

Wan-Bissaka arguably remains one of the strongest one-against-one defenders in English football when at his very best, and has extensive top-flight experience.

Everton have been linked with him throughout the summer as David Moyes searches for a new right-back. Their pursuit of Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has dragged on, potentially leaving room for another target to move ahead.

Aston Villa have entered the picture too.

Matty Cash remains Unai Emery’s senior right-back, but Villa are preparing for another Champions League campaign and need reliable competition throughout a demanding season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘likely’ to join Aston Villa or Everton

According to reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee, the defender currently appears ‘likely’ to join either Everton or Villa. Clubs outside England are also monitoring his position, but the top flight duo are frontrunners as things stand.

That update does not suggest an agreement has been reached or talks have even started, while no firm transfer fee is mentioned either.

Earlier reports placed West Ham’s valuation between £15 million and £25 million, although relegation and the player’s apparent desire to remain in the Premier League could influence negotiations.

West Ham have already prepared for change by signing experienced defender Joel Veltman on a free transfer.

The former Brighton man can play at right-back or centre-back and offers the leadership needed in the Championship. However, losing Wan-Bissaka would still remove another proven player from Nuno’s squad.

The money raised this summer gives West Ham options, but the challenge now is ensuring the rebuilding work creates a team capable of making an immediate Premier League return.