On Tuesday, Het Nieuwsblad made a big deal about an alleged Leander Dendoncker-Atlético Madrid pre-agreement, one that would see the La Liga side able to get the defensive midfielder for €20m.
However, if a club, like West Ham, were to offer more, then Diego Simeone’s club would be allowed to match it if they so wished.
In our coverage, we explained that all hope was not lost for the Hammers, who were very keen to sign Dendoncker during the January transfer window.
Anderlecht, down their end, didn’t particularly want to lose their star, much to the player’s discontent, but gave him the green light to leave in the summer.
The fact Atlético didn’t match West Ham’s, Crystal Palace’s or Everton’s reported bids in January suggested they weren’t interested anymore, but that’s not why.
According to Le Soir, the reason behind their lack of movement a few months ago is because the pre-agreement with Atlético, which dates back to 10 months ago, expired.
That means West Ham won’t have to face Champions League competition were they to follow up on their January interest.
Furthermore, Le Soir make it clear Dendoncker wants to leave Anderlecht ‘now more than ever’.
