Hans Vanaken has all-but ruled out a summer move to the Premier League, with the long-term West Ham United target telling Voetbal Krant that he has no plans to leave Club Brugge at this stage.
Three games into their Euro 2020 campaign, every single outfield player in Belgium’s 26-man squad has played their part.
Although some more than others.
Because while Vanaken did come off the bench during Monday’s 2-0 triumph over Finland, the 6ft 4ins play-maker has had to make do with just three minutes of action so far.
And his lack of action has certainly raised a few questions back home in Belgium.
If Vanaken wants to play a bigger role for the Rote Duivels, does he need to leave a Club Brugge side who won a third Jupiler League title in four years last season?
Is it time for Belgium star Hans Vanaken to join West Ham?
According to Voetbal24, West Ham have been on the blower again, offering Vanaken the chance to prove himself in a more high-profile competition at the peak of his powers.
The long-serving midfielder turned down the Hammers when they offered £14 million for his signature last September, however, and it seems unlikely that he’s going to make a different decision ten months on.
“No, I do not think so,” Vanaken said when asked if he needs to leave the relatively small pond that is Belgian football in order to boost his international prospects.
“I’m good in Brugges. If the right project comes at the right time and the right opportunity presents itself, I will think about it. But that is not the case at the moment.
“It’s not that I need to go to an even bigger club. I don’t think I have to play abroad to show that I can play for the Red Devils.”
Not everyone would agree.
There is a belief that Vanaken outgrew the Jupiler League some time ago, having scored 17, 17 and 16 goals in the last three seasons from an attacking midfield role, inspiring Club Brugge to a hatful of trophies along the way.
Then again, loyalty is an attribute seldom-seen in modern football. While some would accuse Vanaken of lacking ambition, his desire to stay put should be applauded in an era of transfer requests and wanderlust.
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