Man Utd complete third January transfer window deal after decision on £50m star
Manchester United have triggered the option to extend defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka's contract until 2025.
The Red Devils' decision on Wan-Bissaka, who joined the club from Crystal Palace for £50million four-and-a-half years ago, marks their third deal of the January transfer window. In a move confirmed on New Year's Day, United manager Erik ten Hag has already agreed to loan out unwanted midfielder Donny van de Beek to German side Eintracht Frankfurt for the second half of this season, while young striker Charlie McNeill's loan at League One side Stevenage has been cut short.
Decisions are soon set to be made on the likes of Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri, but Old Trafford chiefs have moved to tie Wan-Bissaka down until at least the end of next term. Not only do the Red Devils want him to stay up to June 2025, however, as the Daily Mail report that United officials are planning to hold talks over a new deal before the end of the current campaign.
Wan-Bissaka, 26, had been due to become a free agent this summer but the club have made it clear that he's part of their plans, even amid new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's overhaul. Still earning a reported £90,000 per week, the former England under-21 international - not capped at senior level - is expected to receive a pay rise if he agrees to a fresh set of terms.
Initial talks between the club and Wan-Bissaka's entourage are said to have taken place in September before being put on hold while Ratcliffe's investment was finalised. The report adds that last week, after the British billionaire's deal to acquire a 25 per cent stake was agreed, the Red Devils triggered their clause in the 26-year-old right-back's contract.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dashYour turn! Would you have extended Aaron Wan-Bissaka's contract? Let us know in the comments section.
That's unlike 30-year-old Raphael Varane, who's on course to become a free agent after United opted not to trigger his extension clause. It's understood that fellow centre-back Victor Lindelof has also had his clause activated, although that doesn't rule out a sale this summer.
Anthony Martial is another whose deal expires in June, but there's no news that Ten Hag and co are keen on keeping him beyond the summer. Martial has been at the club since 2015, with only left-back Luke Shaw still being in the first-team squad since the French forward's arrival.