Everton is preparing a £10 million transfer bid to sign right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham United, following the London club's relegation from the Premier League on May 26, 2026.
The Hammers saw their 14-year stay in the top flight end on the final day of the season, finishing two points away from safety despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds United.
As reported by talkSPORT, Everton is searching for a new right-back to replace Seamus Coleman, who will conclude his 17-year tenure on Merseyside this summer.
West Ham Faces Fire-Sale
West Ham faces a mandatory off-season player fire-sale to generate up to £150 million in outgoings to balance its financial losses after dropping into the Championship.
The Telegraph reported that Wan-Bissaka fell out of favor toward the end of the 2025-26 campaign under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who preferred utilizing Kyle Walker-Peters.
The 28-year-old full-back, who signed a seven-year contract when he arrived from Manchester United for £15 million in 2024, has made 65 total appearances for the Hammers.
If the deal progresses, Everton hopes to secure the former Manchester United defender before he represents DR Congo at the upcoming summer World Cup in North America.
Other high-value West Ham assets are also linked with departures, including Mateus Fernandes to Manchester United, alongside potential exits for Crysencio Summerville, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Captain Bowen Addresses Relegation
Club captain Jarrod Bowen addressed his future following Sunday's relegation, signaling his intention to remain with the squad in the second tier.
"I'm under contract here. I've been here for six-and-a-half years.
I've had some really high moments and this is a low moment that will outweigh everything," said Bowen.
The England international acknowledged the impending transfer market speculations but emphasized his personal responsibility to guide the club back to the top division.
"There's going to be rumours, there's going to be talk.
Ultimately, what I see is getting this club back in the Premier League because that is where it deserves to be," said Bowen.
Bowen later published a statement on Instagram apologizing directly to the supporters for the team's insufficient performances on the pitch throughout the season.
"It's hard to post something like this when all you're feeling is embarrassment and pain," wrote Bowen.
The forward reflected on the contrasting emotions of his career, comparing past European success to the disappointment of the final matchday.
"I could write loads trying to explain where it all went wrong this season, but honestly what you deserve from me is an apology," wrote Bowen.
The captain expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering loyalty shown by the home and away fans despite the team failing to deliver results.
"Winning that trophy in Prague was the best night of my career. Sunday was the worst," wrote Bowen.
He concluded his message by asserting that the organization possesses the necessary resilience to mount a successful promotion challenge next year.
"We just weren't good enough. Simple as that.
And that's why the season ended the way it did," wrote Bowen.
The Hammers missed crucial opportunities to secure safety in January by turning down deals for Brazilian forward Rayan and Newcastle attacker William Osula, according to The Guardian.
"To the fans, you didn't let us down once.
The support home and away never changed, even when things weren't good enough from us on the pitch.
We should have given you more. You deserved more," wrote Bowen.
Meanwhile, talkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy suggested that Liverpool should target Bowen as a cost-effective, low-risk replacement for Mohamed Salah.
"One thing I know about this club is that it has the desire and fight to bounce back from this.
This club belongs in the Premier League and deserves to be back there as soon as possible," wrote Bowen.
The former midfielder explained that while Bowen does not fit the typical profile for Liverpool transfers regarding age or resale value, he offers guaranteed goals and durability.
"I wouldn't be disappointed seeing him at Liverpool," said Murphy.
Murphy stated that West Ham's relegation drastically lowers Bowen's market value, potentially allowing Liverpool to secure a top-quality right-sided attacker for a bargain fee.
"I know you alluded to that before because I think he's got goals in him. He's got assists in him, he's durable.
I think he's good enough," said Murphy.
The pundit estimated that a bid between £20 million and £30 million could suffice, as the London club looks to clear expensive player wages off its books.
"There's a criteria generally that Liverpool stick to, more or less, when they sign players, and he doesn't really fit in that in terms of age, potential profit and all those types of things," said Murphy.
Negotiations for Wan-Bissaka and other West Ham players are expected to accelerate as the summer transfer window opens.
"So it'd be a change of tact, but I think if you want value for money, you might just get him for a fee that you wouldn't be able to get (a top quality player)," said Murphy.
"You're going to have to pay for a top quality player on that right hand side.
You're going to have to pay £50m to £80m, aren't you," said Murphy.
"But with him going down to the Championship, I reckon you'd be looking at maybe £20m, £30m at most," said Murphy.
"But let's say it was £20m because he's desperate to get out and then get him off the wage bill, then it's no risk," said Murphy.
