Kyle Walker-Peters has agreed to join West Ham on a three-year deal, snubbing a potential return to Tottenham and leaving the Spurs to find alternative solutions for UEFA’s club-trained player rules.

Kyle Walker-Peters, a product of Tottenham’s academy, has chosen to join West Ham United on a three-year deal, rather than returning to his former club. 

Walker-Peters made his debut for Tottenham in 2017 and made several appearances for the North London club, but struggled to cement himself as a starter. After a successful loan at Southampton, he joined the Saints permanently in 2020.

Tottenham had reportedly considered bringing Walker-Peters back as a free agent this summer, but it seems the club has lost out on the defender’s services. 

Walker-Peters had been linked with a move to Besiktas, but the Turkish side withdrew its offer after he requested an extension. It now appears that Walker-Peters has agreed to join West Ham, with formal steps soon to follow.

The signing of Walker-Peters will come as a blow to Tottenham, who will need to find another solution to meet UEFA’s strict “club-trained” player rules for the Champions League squad list.

According to UEFA’s rules, clubs can register a maximum of 25 players for their Champions League ‘A list squad’, with at least eight “locally trained” players and at least four “club-trained” players.

As it stands, goalkeeper Brandon Austin is the only player at Spurs who satisfies the “club-trained” criterion. Walker-Peters was one player the club were considering to aid the issue, but his move to West Ham means Tottenham will need to source three more players who fit the bill for their Champions League squad next season.

With a growing team of around 35 players, Spurs will likely need to see some outgoings before new signings can be made. The club will need to balance their squad and ensure they meet UEFA’s regulations while also strengthening the team.