# West Ham transfer activity and defensive recruitment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-transfer-activity
> Updated: 2026-08-18T15:00:28.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, West Ham United’s transfer dealings centered on two separate issues. On July 19, the club appeared ready to write off the €27 million fee paid for striker Niclas Füllkrug after injuries limited his impact. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo indicated the 33-year-old does not feature in future plans, noting that while Serie A interest exists, “nobody will pay serious money because of his injury record.” Simultaneously, the club dismissed a €10 million Lazio bid for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as “insulting,” valuing the right-back at at least double that amount following a strong World Cup.

Two days later, the focus shifted to the defensive line. French centre-back Axel Disasi rejected a permanent move to West Ham, refusing a drop to the Championship. Manager Nuno then turned his attention to Australian defender Harry Souttar, whose £10 million price tag and injury history present a gamble. 

By mid-August, the club faced a significant defensive crisis. Despite an accepted £25 million bid from Chelsea for Disasi, the defender reportedly opted to join Crystal Palace instead. This failed pursuit has left the squad relying heavily on Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman. As the transfer deadline approaches, West Ham is exploring alternatives such as Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Dylan Lawlor, while also seeking attacking reinforcements in players like Reiss Nelson and Amario Cozier-Duberry.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: West Ham United faces defensive crisis after Axel Disasi transfer rejection

West Ham United is scrambling to find defensive reinforcements after Axel Disasi rejected a move to the club, potentially opting for Crystal Palace instead.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-faces-defensive-crisis-after-axel-disasi-transfer-rejection

### 2026-07-21: West Ham United ends Axel Disasi chase as defender rejects Championship move

West Ham drops the pursuit of Axel Disasi after the defender rejects a Championship move, while manager Nuno eyes injury‑prone Harry Souttar despite fitness concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-ends-axel-disasi-chase-as-defender-rejects-championship-move

### 2026-07-19: West Ham Turns Down Serie A Bids for Füllkrug and Wan‑Bissaka

West Ham is set to write off Füllkrug’s €27 m fee amid injury concerns while rejecting Lazio’s €10 m bid for outcast right‑back Wan‑Bissaka, deeming it insulting.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-turns-down-serie-a-bids-for-fllkrug-and-wanbissaka

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Cite as: West Ham transfer activity and defensive recruitment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-transfer-activity