Earlier this week, West Ham United completed the signing of Lucas Paquetá from Lyon for a club record fee.
Paquetá’s arrival did not stop reports from Belgium discussing the Hammers’ interest in Hans Vanaken. They have already seen two of their bids rejected by Club Brugge, with the latest offer being €11m plus €3m bonuses.
Two days ago, Het Nieuwsblad reported West Ham are not giving up on the 30-year-old. Sporza analyst Peter Vandenbempt stated that David Moyes called the player on three occasions.
A move to London has now been ruled out after the attacking midfielder committed his long-term future to the Jupiler Pro League winners by signing a new deal until 2027. The Belgium international has revealed he held talks with the English club for several weeks before making the final decision to sign an extension on Tuesday.
“Relief. I am especially glad that there is now clarity. The decision to sign was taken on Tuesday evening. I wanted clarity before the transfer window closes,” the player told Het Nieuwsblad.
“At a certain point, I felt West Ham would no longer use their large resources. Club Brugge were difficult to convince, but during the talks there has always been a lot of respect between all parties. That’s what our president said. And that is also apparent from the contract they offered me.”
Vanaken admitted the last few weeks weren’t easy for him because he had an option to join West Ham.
“It was difficult. There was a concrete offer from West Ham, which was effectively on the table. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had to think all this time and there would have been no fuss,” he explained.
“That uncertainty started to weigh on me, although I was able to put it off well at home and during matches.”
When asked if he is disappointed the move to the Premier League side didn’t materialise, Vanaken stressed: “It’s a mixed feeling. Club 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. I am of course 30 years old and I would no longer provide them with added value. There has been a lot of chatter. There were many phone calls throughout the week. With the club, but also with my family and agents.
“We saw London, but in the end, we will never know how it would have ended there. For the same money, I did not break through, or end up on the bench. We have chosen to sign here. And I’m happy about that, because saying goodbye would have been hard.”
West Ham’s interest in the Belgian isn’t new as they tried signing him in 2020. It is the second time they have failed to secure the player’s services. Vanaken is of the belief he will end his playing career at Club Brugge.
“That I’ve already thought twice. In fact, it was the third time West Ham showed interest. It may have felt like a last chance, especially a move to a league like the Premier League,” he stressed.
“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 just any team. I’m just as happy to stay here for another five years.”
