Manchester United parted ways with [Aaron Wan-Bissaka](https://www.claretandhugh.info/15m-bargain-wan-bissaka-far-exceeds-expectations/) in the summer of 2024, with West Ham stealing ‘_The Spider’_ for the princely sum of £15 million. Which looks more ridiculous by the day. Wan-Bissaka was allowed to leave by then Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag because he was deemed not good enough going forward, with ten Hag recruiting Noussair Mazraoui in his stead as a better attacking option.
Which for Hammers fans, who have seen Wan-Bissaka excel as both a left and right wing back, with his mazy runs and pacy delivery, is laughable.
In his article today for [nytimes.com/athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6369519/2025/05/26/west-ham-potter-transfers-overhaul-recruitment/), Roshane Thomas highlights Wan-Bissaka’s amazing debut season as a West Ham player, with _‘defending so good fans stand and applaud’._
The “go-go-gadget” telescopic leg tackles were his trademark and Hammers fans probably knew all about when welcoming Wan Bissaka to London stadium: I guess, like me, most Hammers fans knew nothing of the potential for ‘AWB’ to create and score goals.
Roshane Thomas highlights the defender’s blossoming relationship on the right hand side with club captain Jarrod Bowen, with _the impressive statistic that the pair finished joint third in the Premier League for assists between team-mates (4)._
Not bad for one who was sold because he cannot attack. Add his two goals and West Ham have one world class player in their ranks, be it left or right sided, defending or going forward. And for that, we should always be grateful to Tim Steidten for getting the Wan-Bissaka deal over the line. I have a Manchester United friend (someone has to ) who still shakes his head wistfully every time ‘AWB’ comes up in the conversation.
Which in this woeful season, has been just about every game as the Hammer of the Year has been one of the Irons’ few shining lights.