West Ham United have ceased all negotiations with Southampton regarding a move for Kyle Walker-Peters this summer and will now shift their focus to alternative targets, according to sources from Football Insider.
Manager Julen Lopetegui has been eager to strengthen the right-back position after Ben Johnson left for Ipswich Town on a free transfer. Lopetegui, who was keen to retain Johnson following his impressive performances against Sevilla in the 2022 Europa League ties, had to let him go as Johnson sought regular first-team football elsewhere.
West Ham initially hoped to include Flynn Downes in a deal to acquire Walker-Peters. Despite Downes’ recent £18m transfer to Southampton, the Saints held firm on their £20m valuation for Walker-Peters, a stance that West Ham found unreasonable given the player’s remaining one-year contract. This impasse led the club to explore other options.
The focus then shifted to Noussair Mazraoui, and although a fee was agreed, negotiations with his agents encountered issues, causing the deal to collapse. Manchester United now appear poised to sign the Moroccan defender, which in turn made Aaron Wan-Bissaka available.
The Hammers have had a long-standing interest in Wan-Bissaka but were previously deterred by Manchester United’s high valuation for a player nearing the end of his contract. However, after the Mazraoui deal fell through, United adjusted their price to a more reasonable £15m, a figure West Ham were willing to meet. With this deal now in advanced stages, West Ham have officially ended their pursuit of Kyle Walker-Peters.
