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Aaron Wan-Bissaka (L) in action during Man United's FA Cup final success over Man City. Alamy Stock Photo

Wan-Bissaka leaves Man United, Bournemouth sign Barcelona full-back

The defender joined Man United from Crystal Palace in 2019 and had entered the final year of his contract.

Updated at 18.22

WEST HAM HAVE signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United for a transfer fee reported to be £15 million (€17.5 million).

The 26-year-old Croydon-born defender, who made 190 appearances over five seasons for the Old Trafford club, has agreed a seven-year contract with the Hammers.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London and I’m excited for what’s coming,” Wan-Bissaka said.

“I was born here and I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life, so to be back playing in this city means a lot to me.”

Wan-Bissaka joined Manchester United from Crystal Palace for £50 million (€58.5 million) in 2019 and had entered the final year of his contract.

“I can’t wait to get on the pitch, get to know the players and push on from there,” he said.

“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 through thick and thin.”

Hammers technical director Tim Steidten hailed a valuable signing given Wan-Bissaka’s Premier League experience dates back to his Palace debut in 2018.

“He’s exactly the type of player we’re looking to attract to this club while in the prime years of his career,” Steidten said.

“He’s an incredibly talented defender who we rate very highly and who is superb in one-on-one situations. He’s versatile too, which is clearly another positive.

“He’s played over 170 Premier League games during his career so he knows the division inside-out.”

Elsewhere, Bournemouth signed Mexico defender Julian Araujo from Barcelona in a deal worth a reported £8.5 million (€10 million) on Tuesday.

Araujo agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club after ending his one-year stay at Barca.

Born in California, the 23-year-old right-back started his career at LA Galaxy before moving to the Camp Nou in 2023.

Araujo, who never made a competitive appearance for Barca, spent last season on loan at Las Palmas and is Bournemouth’s fifth signing since the end of last term.

“Julian is someone who we have tracked for a while now and we’re delighted to bring him to AFC Bournemouth,” chief executive Neill Blake said.

“He’s a young player with high potential and we’re pleased to have beaten lots of competition for his signature.”

Araujo represented the United States at youth level and won one senior cap before switching allegiance to Mexico in 2021.

“We believe that we have all the tools here for Julian to build on the quality he already has and we really look forward to welcoming him to Vitality Stadium,” Blake said.

Bournemouth start their Premier League campaign at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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Press Association
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