Kyle Walker-Peters’ transfer saga has been one of the most discussed stories of the summer transfer window, particularly when it comes to Leeds United. The 28-year-old English full-back, who became a free agent after leaving Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League, has attracted considerable attention from a host of clubs looking to bolster their defensive options. After spending several years in the Premier League with both Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, Walker-Peters has established himself as a versatile and experienced full-back capable of playing both on the right and left flanks. Given Leeds United’s defensive struggles in recent seasons, it is no surprise that they are among the clubs keen on signing him, especially after losing Junior Firpo to Real Betis and with their ongoing need to strengthen at full-back.
Leeds United’s interest in Walker-Peters dates back to January, when it was first reported that they were looking to bring him to Elland Road on a free transfer in the summer. At the time, Leeds were still adjusting to the fallout from their relegation struggles and were in need of players who could bring both experience and quality to the squad. The club’s defensive weaknesses had been a constant theme during the season, and with several full-backs out injured or underperforming, it became clear that Leeds would need to make a move for new talent in that area.
Walker-Peters, with his Premier League pedigree and versatile skill set, appeared to be a perfect fit. His ability to perform as both a right-back and left-back would allow Leeds United manager Daniel Farke to have more tactical flexibility in his defense. Given that Farke’s style of play often requires his full-backs to be dynamic and capable of contributing both defensively and going forward, Walker-Peters’ pace, intelligence, and adaptability made him a valuable target. For Leeds, securing a player of his caliber would have been a significant step toward stabilizing their defensive options, particularly in the cutthroat world of the Championship, where every point counts.
However, as the summer transfer window went on, it became increasingly apparent that Leeds would face stiff competition for Walker-Peters’ signature. Other Premier League clubs, including Everton and West Ham United, entered the race, both of whom were also looking to strengthen their defenses. Everton, still looking for consistency after a tumultuous few seasons, had shown interest in adding quality to their full-back positions, while West Ham’s pursuit of Walker-Peters became particularly urgent. The Hammers, facing the potential loss of defenders to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) later in 2025, were desperate for cover at full-back. The timing of Walker-Peters’ availability, coming on the back of his free-agent status after Southampton’s relegation, made him an even more appealing option for clubs looking to fill gaps in their squads.
The situation became even more complicated when it was reported earlier in the summer that Besiktas, the Turkish Super Lig giants, had entered the fray and seemed to be on the verge of securing a deal for Walker-Peters. It appeared that Walker-Peters was set to make the move to Turkey after agreeing to terms with Besiktas, with the club eager to make him one of their marquee signings for the upcoming season. However, this deal took a dramatic twist when Besiktas announced on Thursday that they were pulling out of the deal. This unexpected move left many wondering why Walker-Peters, who had seemed to have committed to Besiktas, suddenly requested more time to decide on his next destination. It soon became clear that the reason behind this change of heart was that West Ham, along with another unnamed club, had made last-minute offers to the player.
West Ham’s bid for Walker-Peters appeared to be the most serious and could potentially be the most appealing option for the player. The Hammers are preparing for a busy few months, with several of their key players set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations in December 2025. This could leave their defense significantly weakened during a crucial period of the season, and having Walker-Peters on board would provide crucial depth and versatility. The London club has long been in need of additional options at full-back, and Walker-Peters’ ability to cover both right and left-back positions gives West Ham much-needed flexibility. The club reportedly hopes to finalize the deal in the coming days, with manager David Moyes seeing Walker-Peters as a valuable addition to his squad for the upcoming campaign.
On the other hand, Leeds United has made notable moves in the transfer market already, particularly in defense, where they signed Gabriel Gudmundsson to replace Junior Firpo, who departed for Real Betis. In addition, Leeds also secured the services of Sam Byram, who renewed his contract with the club. With these additions, many are now questioning whether Leeds need to sign another full-back, especially with Gudmundsson’s arrival providing cover for the left-back position and Byram bringing depth to the squad. Jayden Bogle, who is expected to be the starting right-back, has shown promise, but adding a player like Walker-Peters, with his Premier League experience and versatility, would undoubtedly strengthen Leeds’ defensive ranks further.
However, the priority for Leeds United may have shifted, especially after the signings they have already made this summer. With Gudmundsson now in the fold, Farke may feel that his options at full-back are sufficient to navigate the Championship season. The focus might now be on strengthening other areas of the squad, where more urgent needs may arise as the season progresses. Yet, despite these moves, the prospect of signing a player like Walker-Peters could still be tempting for Leeds, particularly if they want to add more quality and experience to their defensive line.
Leeds may also see Walker-Peters as a strategic signing for the future. His versatility allows him to play on both flanks, which could offer Farke more options during a long and grueling season in the Championship. Additionally, having a player with Walker-Peters’ experience in a squad that’s still transitioning could provide a calming influence during key moments of the campaign. His familiarity with the rigors of the Premier League, as well as the added pressure of a relegation battle, could make him a steadying presence on the field.
Another factor that may come into play is the potential for more playing time at West Ham. While Leeds United offers a competitive squad, West Ham, due to their AFCON commitments, might offer Walker-Peters more immediate opportunities to play regularly. The Hammers have been a club in flux in recent seasons, with many of their defenders linked with moves away, and they could offer Walker-Peters the chance to play a pivotal role in a side that will face additional challenges over the winter months. This could be a crucial deciding factor for the player, who will likely weigh his options carefully.
As things stand, the race for Walker-Peters is still wide open. While Leeds United may not be in the immediate lead in terms of securing a deal, they are still very much in the hunt. West Ham’s offer seems strong, and their pressing need for a player of his caliber may give them an advantage. However, Leeds’ continuing interest in the player, coupled with their recent signings and overall squad depth, means that there is still a chance for them to make a late push for the full-back.
As the summer transfer window nears its close, Leeds United and West Ham will likely intensify their efforts to secure Walker-Peters, while other clubs may still throw their hats into the ring. It will be interesting to see which club wins the race, and whether this transfer saga will come to a dramatic conclusion in the final days of the window. For Leeds United, the question remains whether they will prioritize a full-back like Walker-Peters, or whether they are satisfied with the current state of their defensive options. Whatever the outcome, this transfer battle is far from over, and the next few weeks could prove to be pivotal for both clubs in their quest to strengthen their squads.