West Ham Target Issa Kaboré To Replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka (East London, 2026)

Key Points

• Right-Back Reshuffle: West Ham United are preparing for the potential exit of 28-year-old right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the summer transfer window.
• Targeting Issa Kaboré: The Hammers have identified Manchester City’s 25-year-old Burkina Faso international right-back, Issa Kaboré, as a primary candidate to strengthen their right flank.
• Transfer Valuation: Manchester City are reportedly seeking a permanent transfer fee in the range of €4 million to €5 million (£3.4 million to £4.2 million) for Kaboré, who has entered the final stretch of his contract expiring in 2027.
• Wan-Bissaka Interest: Following West Ham’s relegation to the EFL Championship, several clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Newcastle United, Fulham, and Sunderland are monitoring Wan-Bissaka, with reports suggesting West Ham could evaluate offers around £10 million to £25 million.
• Core Retentions: West Ham look set to retain key figures such as Jarrod Bowen and Tomás Souček for their upcoming campaign under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, as the club targets an immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
• Widespread Competition: West Ham face competition for Kaboré’s signature from domestic rivals including West Bromwich Albion, Derby County, and Wrexham.

West Ham United (East London Times) July 30, 2026 – West Ham United are currently restructuring their squad ahead of the upcoming EFL Championship season, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. While the club appears set to retain core figures Jarrod Bowen and Tomás Souček to lead the charge, significant defensive alterations remain on the horizon in East London. Chief among these expected changes is the prospective departure of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, which has prompted the Hammers’ recruitment staff to formulate a direct replacement strategy centered on Manchester City defender Issa Kaboré.

Why Is Aaron Wan-Bissaka Expected to Leave West Ham United This Summer?

As reported by transfer analysts at TEAMtalk, West Ham United are prepared to consider formal offers for 28-year-old full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka following the club’s relegation from the top flight. Having initially signed the defender to bolster their backline, the club’s revised operational budget and division status have made a transfer practical for all parties involved.

According to reports compiled by TransferFeed, Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are actively monitoring the defender’s situation. Additional inquiries have surfaced from Newcastle United, Fulham, and Sunderland. While initial reports indicated West Ham set an upper valuation asking price of £25 million for Wan-Bissaka, updated sources from TEAMtalk indicate that the East London outfit would probably accept a fee in the region of £10 million to facilitate a swift resolution during the summer window.

Who Is Issa Kaboré and Why Have West Ham United Targeted Him?

As reported by TransferFeed, West Ham United have shortlisted 25-year-old right-back Issa Kaboré to address the potential vacancy on their right flank. The Burkina Faso international, currently under contract with Manchester City until 2027, has built substantial professional experience across multiple European leagues and English football divisions.

Kaboré joined Manchester City in July 2020 from KV Mechelen and has since undertaken consecutive loan spells at Troyes, Olympique de Marseille, Luton Town, Benfica, Werder Bremen, and Wrexham. During his loan spell in the EFL Championship with Wrexham during the 2025–26 season, Kaboré recorded notable performances, including a two-assist debut against Norwich City. Internationally, the defender has accumulated 52 caps and two goals for the Burkina Faso national team.

As highlighted by media reports from Africafoot, West Ham’s recruitment division heavily appreciates Kaboré’s physical profile, athletic recovery speed, and tactical versatility along the right touchline.

What Is Manchester City’s Valuation for Issa Kaboré?

As detailed by financial and transfer tracking data from TransferFeed, Manchester City have invited interested suitors to negotiate a permanent transfer for Kaboré as he enters the final stages of his contract structure. Reports from July 2026 confirm that Manchester City have set their asking price between €4 million and €5 million.

This consistent valuation aligns directly with his estimated market value of €4.00 million on Transfermarkt. Manchester City’s willingness to sanction a permanent deal rather than another short-term loan has made Kaboré an economically attractive proposition for clubs seeking established international quality within a managed transfer budget.

Which Other Clubs Are Competing for Issa Kaboré’s Signature?

As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Manchester City invited multiple scouts and decision-makers to assess transfer-listed players during pre-season fixtures, accelerating interest across several divisions.

According to exclusive reporting from Africafoot, West Ham United are not without competition in their pursuit of the Burkinabé full-back:

• West Bromwich Albion: The Baggies have made a formal approach to Manchester City to explore the parameters of a permanent deal.
• Wrexham AFC: Following Kaboré’s loan spell at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham have gathered further background information to assess a potential permanent return.
• Derby County: The Rams have directly contacted Manchester City to enquire about the financial conditions required to secure the defender.
• International Interest: French club Stade Rennais previously held a long-term interest before pivoting to alternative targets, while interest has also been registered by German side Hamburger SV and Turkish outfit Galatasaray in prior transfer cycles.

What Background Surrounds West Ham’s Recent Squad Restructuring?

The necessity for West Ham United to evaluate player sales and incoming replacements stems directly from their recent competitive transition into the EFL Championship. Following a difficult campaign that culminated in relegation, the club appointed Nuno Espírito Santo to oversee a tactical overhaul aimed at securing immediate re-promotion.

Managing squad dynamics during a division drop requires balancing financial sustainability with competitive capability. Retaining international-caliber leaders such as Jarrod Bowen and Tomás Souček provides managerial stability on the pitch. However, replacing high-wage assets like Aaron Wan-Bissaka with younger, high-upside players like Issa Kaboré reflects a deliberate strategic shift toward squad agility and sustainable asset management.

How Could This Transfer Strategy Affect West Ham United and Their Supporters?

This potential transition from Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Issa Kaboré carries distinct implications for West Ham United, its coaching staff, and its supporters:

• Impact on Tactical Execution: Manager Nuno Espírito Santo frequently relies on dynamic, energetic full-backs capable of providing width in possession and tracking back rapidly in transition. While Wan-Bissaka is widely regarded for one-on-one defensive tackling, Kaboré provides a more naturally fluid attacking threat down the right wing, which could enhance West Ham’s offensive output against deep-defending Championship opposition.
• Impact on Financial Flexibility: Reinvesting a portion of the funds generated from a Wan-Bissaka sale into a lower-cost acquisition like Kaboré (€4m–€5m) allows the club to lower its overall wage bill while preserving capital to strengthen other areas of the squad before the deadline.
• Impact on Fan Expectations: For West Ham supporters, seeing established stars like Bowen remain offers reassurance of the club’s ambition. Successfully replacing departing players with capable international talent like Kaboré will be critical to maintaining positive momentum and belief across the fanbase as the club embarks on its promotion campaign.