Kyle Walker-Peters is poised to join West Ham United on a free transfer following a dramatic breakdown in talks with Ole Gunner Solskjaer's Besiktas. The 28-year-old defender had been in advanced talks with the Istanbul-based side after his contract with Southampton expired, but the move collapsed in controversial fashion after the defender requested additional time to evaluate his future, a gesture that did not sit well with Besiktas.
Besiktas pulled plug after Walker-Peters delayed medicalFull-back set to join HammersThree-year deal on the tableFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
With the door now firmly closed in Turkey, West Ham quickly reignited their long-standing interest in Walker-Peters. Pending a successful medical and final documentation, the former Southampton right-back is expected to sign a contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2028, as reported by the
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Walker-Peters' arrival comes at a crucial time as the club looks to rebuild its defensive line following the departures of long-serving full-backs Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell. His ability to play on both flanks and Premier League experience make him a valuable addition to a squad looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign that saw them finish 14th in the league standings.
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Walker-Peters’ career began at Tottenham Hotspur but it was at Southampton where he truly established himself as a first-team regular. After an initial loan spell on the south coast, the defender made his move permanent in 2020 and went on to make 202 appearances for the Saints, finding the net six times across all competitions.
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Walker-Peters’ impending arrival is part of a broader reshaping of West Ham’s defence. Earlier this week, the club finalised the £19 million signing of Senegalese centre-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague. In addition, they have confirmed French defender Jean-Clair Todibo will remain at the club permanently following a successful loan spell. These additions reflect West Ham’s determination to address their defensive gaps, which leaked 62 goals, the most by a club which managed to stay afloat in the English top-flight.