Fullback, Kyle Walker-Peters has joined West Ham on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Southampton.
Walker-Peters left Southampton upon expiry of his contract at the end of June and had planned to join Turkey’s Besiktas but after the deal collapsed, he accepted a three-year contract at West Ham until June 2028 which will see him stay in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old right-back will wear the number two shirt and is “excited” to begin a new chapter in his career after periods of rumours linking him to the Hammers in past years.
“It feels like it has been a long-time coming – I’ve been linked with a move to the Club in the past – and I’m just happy to be here now.
“I spoke to Graham Potter and he was a big, big part of me making the decision. I’ve always liked his style as a coach, and I think it will suit me well.
“He spoke about the family feel at the Club, and that’s what I’m all about. I’d like to think I’m going to be a good fit for West Ham United.
“I like to play with intensity, give my all in every game, and I want to try and achieve special things here. Every team wants to win trophies and West Ham have that ambition. From speaking to Graham, he wants to create something special, and hopefully I can be a part of that.”
Potter added that Walker-Peters is “always thought highly of” and had been impressed by the right-back whenever he has featured against Potter’s previous teams, and believes that he can bring experience and quality to the squad on and off the pitch.
“He has a really good pedigree, a top professional who has established himself as a respected Premier League player and still has his best years in front of him.
“He will bring high quality competition to the squad, and good character and personality to the dressing-room. I’m really looking forward to working with Kyle, and I think he will be a great addition to the Football Club.”
Walker-Peters began his career at Tottenham Hotspur where he graduated through their youth academy to make his senior first-team debut in a 2-0 away victory at Newcastle United on the opening weekend of 2017-18 Premier League season.
The now 28-year-old went on to score one goal in 24 appearances for Spurs before he was loaned out to Southampton in the second-half of 2019-20 season, where he managed 10 appearances before he made the move permanent in August 2020.
Walker-Peters since produced six goals in 192 appearances across five seasons following his permanent transfer, during which the Saints suffered two relegations from the Premier League in 22-23 and 24-25 seasons, although they instantly won promotion back up via 2023-24 Championship Play-Offs.
Whilst on the South Coast, Walker-Peters received his maiden international senior call-up in March 2022 for England and has since earned two caps for his country.
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