LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer Transfer News

Report: West Ham could now sign player who rejected them in 2020, thanks to Moyes

Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover
PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 07: (BILD OUT) Hans Vanaken of Club Bruegge KV gestures during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge KV at Parc des Princes on December 7, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

According to Voetbal 24, West Ham could now sign Club Brugge maestro Hans Vanaken, thanks to their rise under David Moyes.

What’s the story?

Well, the 29-year-old rejected West Ham in 2020 as he wanted to join a club where he had a chance to win silverware.

Now, however, the situation has changed.

Voetbal 24 outline how West Ham’s rise to the Europa League under Moyes has now given them a better chance of signing Vanaken.

The fact they’re sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Premier League is also mentioned as a factor which could see the midfielder change his mind.

It was in September 2020 when the 17-cap Belgium international decided to sign a new contract, instead of a move to east London after West Ham made a bid.

Clearly, whatever magic Moyes has worked at the London Stadium is starting to change how transfer targets view West Ham.

Hans Vanaken would be a great signing for West Ham

BRUGGE, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 24: Hans Vanaken of Club Brugge in action with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Club Brugge KV and RB Leipzig at Jan Breydel Stadium on November 24, 2021 in Brugge, Belgium. (Photo by Maarten Straetemans/Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images)
Photo by Maarten Straetemans/Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images

In our view, West Ham should make another move for Vanaken.

The 6ft 4in powerhouse is similar to Tomas Soucek, as he possesses a keen eye for goal, but also boasts great physical strength.

Last season, Vanaken scored 16 goals from midfield, and has continued his fine form this term with eight goals in all competitions.

Belgium's Hans Vanaken and Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after winning a soccer match between Belgian national team the Red Devils and Estonia's national team, in Brussels, Saturday 13 November 2021, game 7 in group E of the qualifications for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

Amazingly, the Club Brugge No.20 netted 17 goals and provided 19 assists in one season, back in the 2018/19 campaign.

In our view, he could offer Moyes something similar to what Marouane Fellaini provided for him at Everton.

Keep an eye on Vanaken’s future, as his move to the London Stadium could finally happen thanks to West Ham’s recent rise.