Wan-Bissaka’s ideal January transfer scenario revealed

Milan Keskin

• 22 Jan 2024 09:15 GMT
• 3 min read

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Manchester United appear destined to part ways in the near future.

The right-back does not always play under Erik ten Hag and is wanted by both Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

But according to SciSports’ Career Advice Tool, Ten Hag, who has so often signed players from the Eredivisie, could do the Dutch top-flight a favour by sending the full-back to one of the leading sides in his homeland – and it would certainly be a move that would suit the 26-year-old.

Despite the fact that Manchester United recently lifted the one-sided option in Wan-Bissaka's expiring contract, meaning the defender is now tied up until mid-2025, the right-back appears likely to be leaving this month.

Partly due to the increasing interest, the Red Devils are willing to cooperate in a possible departure – provided, of course, the right transfer fee is put on the table.

Man Utd spent €55m on Wan-Bissaka when they signed him from Crystal Palace in 2019. The right-back is the most expensive Englishman who has never played for the national team.

Wan-Bissaka was seen as a player who could be Man Utd’s right-back for a decade or so, but the picture has changed in the last two years, with his attacking deficiencies becoming increasingly clear.

Diogo Dalot may not be as strong defensively, but as he offers more going forward, he is now typically first pick.

The best solution for Wan-Bissaka appears to be a move, with Man Utd likely to maximise his transfer fee by selling him now. Nevertheless, he only has an Expected Transfer Value (ETV) of €9.3m, down from a peak of €57m when he joined United.

Feyenoord or Ajax

Should Wan-Bissaka decide to leave Manchester United this month, Feyenoord and Ajax could be ideal destinations. Both clubs could use a new right-back.

The Rotterdammers are taking into account a summer departure of Lutsharel Geertruida, while Bart Nieuwkoop has not yet been able to convince. Feyenoord are currently working on the arrival of right back Neco Williams from Nottingham Forest, but if that deal does not go ahead, Wan-Bissaka could be an excellent alternative.

The arrival of Wan-Bissaka could also be beneficial for Ajax. Anton Gaaei has not left a convincing impression so far and does not seem to have the qualities to make Ajax better in the longer term.

The Amsterdam team would do well to appoint a relatively experienced right-back, who can compete with Devyne Rensch. Ajax currently lacks experience at the back, which Wan-Bissaka could bring with him.

According to the Career Advice Tool, Wan-Bissaka would at first glance be a better fit for Feyenoord, given that he seems to suit Arne Slot's playing style better than that of John van 't Schip.

However, the transfer to Feyenoord is considered a lot less likely than a possible switch to Ajax. Partly for this reason, both clubs have a Club Fit of 76.

Real Sociedad has the highest Club Fit with 84. The defender would perform best in Spain in terms of level and playing style, but on the other hand he would get less time to play.