Hans Vanaken explains whether he’ll make £17m West Ham move this summer

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Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken knows his chances of securing a move to a major European league are diminishing with West Ham United potentially looking elsewhere these days.

It’s become something of a transfer window tradition; the Hammers trying and eventually failing to lure an experienced Belgium international to the London Stadium.

West Ham missed out on Vanaken during the summer of 2020 and history repeated itself almost 12 months ago. Bids worth £8 million and £11 million falling short of Club Brugge’s £17 million asking price.

Now, with his 31^st birthday approaching, Vanaken understands that the Premier League ship may have sailed.

“That chance may get smaller every year,” Vanaken tells Eleven Sports. “I wouldn’t say it’s over yet. But I am well aware that that chance gets smaller and more difficult over the years. But, again, I’m super satisfied here.

“I actually didn’t expect West Ham to come last year either.”

Will West Ham now move on from Hans Vanaken?

Vanaken, capped over 20 times by Belgium, has spent the last eight years at Club Brugge; winning five Jupiler League titles while scoring a hugely impressive 110 goals from his attacking midfield role.

Vanaken admitted to holding talks with Hammers boss David Moyes back in 2022, the Scot supposedly viewing the the two-time Belgian Footballer of the Year as the ‘ideal midfielder’ for his West Ham team.

“It was difficult. There was a concrete offer from West Ham,” Vanaken admits.

“(Missing out on a move) is a mixed feeling. Club Brugge have twice declined bids from West Ham and asked for more. My position has always been that the three parties should find an agreement. That became more difficult by the day. West Ham decided not to continue.

“It was the third time that West Ham showed interest,” Vanaken adds. “It may have felt like a last chance, especially to move to a league like the Premier League. With my new contract, there’s a good chance I’ll never leave.

“On the other hand, I have always said that I am very happy here. I would never leave Club for any team. Did Moyes call me personally? Yes, I heard him over the phone. He said he saw me as an ideal midfielder.”