West Ham United are closing in on the signing of England international Kyle Walker-Peters after reaching an agreement on personal terms with the former Southampton right-back. The 28-year-old is poised to join the Hammers on a free transfer, strengthening their defensive options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Walker-Peters Chooses Hammers Over Besiktas Move
Walker-Peters had been strongly linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas, managed by former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær. However, the deal collapsed when the defender delayed his medical amid late interest from West Ham. Besiktas publicly confirmed their withdrawal from the transfer on Thursday, clearing the path for the London club to swoop in.
From Tottenham Prospect to Southampton Mainstay
Walker-Peters began his professional career at Tottenham Hotspur before making a loan move to Southampton in 2020, which became permanent shortly after. Over five seasons at St Mary’s, he made 202 appearances and netted six goals, becoming a key figure in both their Premier League and Championship campaigns.
Despite Southampton’s relegation at the end of the 2022–23 season, Walker-Peters stayed with the club and played a crucial role in their immediate return to the top flight. He featured in 43 league matches during the promotion-winning 2023–24 season and made 35 appearances in the 2024–25 campaign, contributing two assists.
Defensive Reinforcements Continue for West Ham
West Ham, who ended the 2024–25 season in 14th place, are clearly focused on bolstering their backline this summer. Earlier this week, the club completed a £19 million move for Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague. They also finalized the permanent signing of French center-back Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, following his loan spell last season.
Adding Walker-Peters will bring Premier League experience and versatility to West Ham’s squad, with the full-back capable of playing on both flanks. The deal, which comes at no cost, represents smart business for a side looking to push back into the top half of the table.
