Report: West Ham still want ‘incredible’ target despite £51m Paqueta signing

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West Ham are reportedly still interested in Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken despite the signing of Lucas Paqueta this week, with the Brazilian arriving for a club-record transfer fee.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, the Irons remain intent on signing the 30-year-old midfielder in the final days of the transfer window despite signing Paqueta from Olympique Lyonnais for a reported £51m, with West Ham eager to add more experience to the squad.

Vanaken has been one of the best midfielders in Belgium for well over a decade with the Brugge star hitting an incredible 15+ goals in all competitions in the last four seasons, and the 21-cap Red Devils international could now be ready for a move to the Premier League.

Brugge manager Carl Hoefkens has previously hailed Vanaken as an ‘incredible’ player, and David Moyes adding the midfielder to his ranks which already include Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and now Paqueta would be something quite incredible for West Ham.

Although the Hammers have endured a rough start to the new Premier League season, the signing of Paqueta has the potential to fire West Ham straight back into contention for a European spot in the standings, and adding Vanaken, as well, could see the Irons cement themselves as challengers for the top-seven.

Indeed, a goalscoring midfielder like Vanaken adds something new to West Ham’s current options in this area of the squad, and with the Irons competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, a player of the Belgian’s qualities could give the east Londoners a cutting edge in many fixtures for the season.

West Ham have to sign Vanaken regardless of Paqueta arrival

Signing another central midfielder so soon after bringing in a player Paqueta might seem like overkill, but for West Ham, Vanaken is the perfect final piece for Moyes’ squad ahead of what could be a very exciting season for the Premier League side both domestically and in Europe.

After all, West Ham will want to go all the way in the Europa Conference League, and a deep squad with quality options, such as Vanaken, will be beneficial for the Hammers in their quest to finish high in the Premier League once again and to win silverware under Moyes.