Aston Villa retain significant control over Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s potential £18million permanent transfer after newly reported details revealed that his purchase obligation depends on appearances and starts.
The 28-year-old joined from West Ham United on a season-long loan last week, with Villa confirming the agreement includes a conditional obligation to buy.
However, neither club explained what would trigger the permanent deal. Further details now suggest the conditions may be considerably harder to meet than initially assumed.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka transfer clause gives Aston Villa flexibility
Hammers News reports that Villa’s obligation depends on Wan-Bissaka reaching specified appearance and starting thresholds.
The precise number of appearances and starts required has not been disclosed. That means Villa cannot yet be assumed to have committed unconditionally to buying the defender next summer.
FotMob reports that the potential permanent fee is approximately £18million, although that figure has not been officially confirmed by either club.
For Villa, the structure provides protection if Wan-Bissaka struggles for fitness or fails to establish himself. West Ham, meanwhile, cannot automatically count on receiving the full transfer fee unless the relevant conditions are satisfied.
Matty Cash competition could influence £18m decision
Wan-Bissaka is competing directly with Matty Cash for the right-back position. Cash started Sunday’s 4-0 defeat against Brighton, while Wan-Bissaka was absent from Villa’s matchday squad.
There has been no confirmation that his omission was linked to the appearance clause, and it should not be interpreted that way. Emery may simply have felt the new arrival needed more time before being introduced.
Villa’s defensive problems have nevertheless created several selection decisions before Arsenal visit Villa Park.
Wan-Bissaka recorded 40 interceptions during his final Premier League season with West Ham and won 23 of his 33 tackles, according to FotMob. Those qualities could make him a useful alternative against Arsenal’s wide players.
Villa also remain active elsewhere in defence, having agreed personal terms with Joel Ordóñez while pursuing a replacement for Ezri Konsa.
Wan-Bissaka could still become a permanent Villa player if he earns sufficient opportunities. The newly reported clause simply means the £18million outcome is conditional rather than guaranteed.
