Arsenal star Declan Rice reacts to West Ham transfer announcement
West Ham United have successfully bolstered their ranks at full back by signing Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old made 33 Premier League appearances for his former club Southampton last term, but could not help prevent the Saints from suffering an immediate relegation back to the Championship.
Meanwhile, the Hammers are determined to complete successful transfer business this summer, after finishing 14th in the top flight last term.
But while Graham Potter looks to strengthen his squad, Lucas Paqueta is facing an uncertain future after being accused of spot-fixing by the Football Association.
Rice reacts as West Ham announce Walker-Peters signing
Walker-Peters was initially set to join Turkish giants Besiktas, but has instead joined West Ham after his deal with the Istanbul side fell through.
Potter’s men announced the right back’s signature via Instagram on Sunday, 20 July: “West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of England international defender Kyle Walker-Peters.”
The post attracted a like from Declan Rice, who won the Conference League with the East London club before joining Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal in 2023.
Walker-Peters will be a strong addition for Potter
Football Insider verdict
West Ham’s poor 2024/25 Premier League campaign is indicative of the amount of work Potter has to do in the summer transfer market ahead of next term.
| Kyle Walker-Peters stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus has joined London rivals Tottenham, weakening the Hammers’ attacking options.
But the fullback positions were a particular area of concern for Potter, after both Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal left the London Stadium.
However, the East London side effectively responded to Cresswell’s exit by signing fellow left-back Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.
Walker-Peters’ arrival has now plugged the gap left by Coufal’s departure, while the two-cap England international is comfortable on either side of the back four.
Furthermore, Walker-Peters’ previous exploits for both Southampton and Tottenham show that he can be a solid asset in the Premier League, despite the role he played in the Saints’ relegation last term.
Elsewhere, the Hammers have been tipped to sign former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson in a West Ham Zone exclusive.