Medical Set for Today as Aaron Wan-Bissaka Nears Manchester United Exit
Medical Set for Today as Aaron Wan-Bissaka Nears Manchester United Exit
Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is on the brink of leaving the club, with a medical examination scheduled for today as part of a proposed transfer to Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old defender, who joined Manchester United from Crystal Palace in 2019, appears set to return to his former club in a deal that could be worth up to £25 million.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his move to Manchester United five years ago in a deal valued at £50 million, where he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defensive talents. Known for his exceptional tackling ability and defensive prowess, Wan-Bissaka became a regular starter under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive line.
However, the arrival of Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager in 2022 brought a shift in tactics and player preferences. Under ten Hag, Wan-Bissaka found himself competing for the right-back position with Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot, who has been favored for his offensive capabilities. As a result, Wan-Bissaka’s playing time has significantly diminished, and he has made only a handful of appearances in the past season.
Crystal Palace, currently managed by Roy Hodgson, has been keen to bring Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park. Hodgson, who was also in charge during Wan-Bissaka’s initial rise at Palace, sees the defender as a crucial addition to strengthen the club’s defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee that could rise to £25 million, depending on performance-related add-ons. Wan-Bissaka’s return to Crystal Palace is expected to bring stability and experience to a squad that has undergone several changes over the summer.
Hodgson, who rejoined Crystal Palace in March 2024 after a brief retirement, expressed his enthusiasm about the potential signing. “Aaron is a player I know very well from my previous time at the club. He has developed significantly during his time at Manchester United, and I believe he will bring a lot to our squad. We’re hopeful that everything will go smoothly with the medical, and we can get the deal over the line,” Hodgson stated.
Wan-Bissaka is set to undergo a medical examination today at Crystal Palace’s training facility in Beckenham. If all goes according to plan, the transfer could be officially announced within the next 24 to 48 hours. The medical is expected to be a formality, with the player reportedly in good physical condition despite limited game time over the past season.
Manchester United has yet to make an official statement regarding Wan-Bissaka’s departure, but sources within the club have indicated that the decision to sell the defender was made in consultation with both the player and the coaching staff. The move is seen as mutually beneficial, allowing Wan-Bissaka to revive his career with more regular playing time and providing Manchester United with funds to reinvest in other areas of the squad.
The transfer of Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Crystal Palace has generated mixed reactions among Manchester United supporters. Some fans have expressed disappointment at losing a player who was once regarded as one of the best young defenders in the league, while others acknowledge that the move is in the best interest of both parties.
Former Manchester United captain and club legend Gary Neville shared his thoughts on the transfer during a recent appearance on Sky Sports. “Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a solid player for United, particularly in his first couple of seasons. But with the way football is evolving, full-backs are expected to contribute more in attack, and that’s an area where Aaron has struggled. A return to Crystal Palace could be exactly what he needs to rediscover his best form,” Neville commented.
On the other side, Crystal Palace fans are eagerly anticipating the return of a player who was a fan favorite during his initial stint at the club. Social media has been abuzz with excitement, with many supporters expressing their hope that Wan-Bissaka can help the team push for a top-half finish in the Premier League this season.
With Wan-Bissaka’s departure, Manchester United is expected to explore the transfer market for a replacement or potentially promote a younger player from within their academy. Diogo Dalot remains the first-choice right-back, but the club could look to add depth to the position, especially with a busy schedule that includes domestic competitions and European fixtures.
Reports have linked Manchester United with several potential targets, including Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen and Spanish defender Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur. However, no concrete moves have been made as of yet.
As the summer transfer window enters its final weeks, Manchester United’s focus will be on finalizing their squad for the upcoming season, with Wan-Bissaka’s exit marking one of the significant moves.
