Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken has told The Mirror that he rejected West Ham United because he wants to win trophies.
The Hammers have been desperately seeking reinforcements, but have struggled to get new signings over the line in recent times.
One of David Moyes’ targets was Belgian ace Vanaken, seemingly viewing him as a player who could have a Tomas Soucek-like impact.
Much like Soucek, Vanaken is a huge midfielder at 6ft 4in tall, and both possess the ability to score goals from midfield.
Vanaken’s record is staggering; he’s bagged 75 goals and 57 assists in 252 games for Club Brugge, including five goals and three assists in just eight games this term.
West Ham were attracted after 17 goals last season, but Vanaken decided to reject the move and stay put in Belgium before Monday’s international transfer deadline.
Vanaken – who was a substitute for Belgium in their 2-1 defeat to England at Wembley Stadium today – has now shared exactly why he rejected the move to East London.
The 28-year-old admitted that he thought long and hard about a move to West Ham, but wants to win trophies and just didn’t think he could do that with the Hammers, instead believing that he can reach a higher level by staying with Club Brugge for now.
“If I had wanted to I could have signed for West Ham. I did think about their offer and I discussed it with a number of people around me,” said Vanaken. “But West Ham did not feel like a logical step. I like to play for trophies, I want to win things – and I prefer to play in every game. I think I can reach a higher level staying here,” he added.
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