First player targeted after West Ham's relegation as clubs 'circle' for cut-price deals

It could be an extremely busy summer at recently-relegated West Ham as they attempt to raise around £150 million in player sales, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka being one of the first players to be linked with a move.

Despite picking up a 3-0 win over Leeds on the final day, West Ham were relegated to the Championship after Tottenham secured victory over Everton to survive by two points.

Their relegation will have an impact both on and off the pitch, with reports suggesting that they will need to raise up to £150 million in outgoings to cover expected financial losses in England's second tier.

As a result, teams have started to circle around potential signings.

Mateus Fernandes, who is arguably their biggest asset, has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United. The Hammers will be hoping to make a profit on the £40 million they paid for him last August.

El Hadji Malick Diouf has also emerged as a target for United, according to widespread reports, while Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Konstantinos Mavropanos could also leave.

So, who else could be on their way out? The Telegraph claim Everton are looking to make a £10 million move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Wan Bissaka made 27 appearances for West Ham this season. Image credit: Getty

Wan-Bissaka, who signed a seven-year deal when he joined from Manchester United, fell out of favour towards the back end of the 2025-26 campaign, with Nuno Espirito Santo preferring Kyle Walker-Peters.

It looks like the club could end up losing money on the £15 million they paid for the 28-year-old in 2024. The full-back has made 65 appearances in all competitions since joining West Ham.

West Ham turned down two transfers in January that could have saved them from relegation

A report from The Guardian emerged after Sunday's final day that claimed West Ham turned down a deal to sign Brazilian forward Rayan, who recently earned a call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

The 19-year-old, who went on to join Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama for £24.7 million, has been superb since joining the Cherries, registering five goals and two assists in the league.

As well as the highly-rated Rayan, West Ham decided against pursuing a January loan move for Newcastle forward William Osula, who has also impressed in the final months of the season.

Since the March international break, Osula has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League appearances. In fact, he has the best goals per minute ratio in England's top flight this season.