West Ham signs Walker Peters on free transfer after Beşiktaş u turn!

West Ham United has successfully secured the services of defender Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer, following his recent departure from Southampton. The 28-year-old full-back, who boasts two England caps, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Hammers, marking a significant reinforcement for Graham Potter's squad.

West Ham manager Graham Potter expressed his long-standing admiration for the new signing. "He is a player I've always thought highly of and been impressed by whenever he has faced one of my teams," Potter said. "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."

Walker-Peters began his professional journey at Tottenham, initially moving to Southampton on loan in January 2020 before making the switch permanent that summer. He accumulated 202 appearances for the Saints. However, after their relegation from the Premier League last season, he departed the club upon the expiry of his contract.

This transfer comes with a touch of drama, as Walker-Peters was reportedly on the verge of joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Beşiktaş. However, the Turkish club publicly announced on Thursday that they were no longer interested in his services after Walker-Peters repeatedly delayed his medical, citing interest from West Ham.

For Walker-Peters, the influence of his new manager was a key factor in his decision. "I spoke to Graham Potter and he was a big, big part of me making the decision," he revealed. "I've always liked his style as a coach, and I think it will suit me well. 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."

Walker-Peters joins Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, a £19 million signing from Slavia Prague, and Jean-Clair Todibo, whose loan move from Nice was made permanent, as West Ham's summer acquisitions. The club also recently offloaded winger Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham in a £55 million deal.