Reims defender Thomas Foket has admitted he could have left the club this summer, amid interest from West Ham United.
The Hammers were chasing defenders late in the window after losing summer signing Nayef Aguerd to a long-term injury.
They did sign Thilo Kehrer, but David Moyes wanted more options, particularly as Craig Dawson was linked with a move away, and Foket was one of them.
A report after deadline day made it clear that West Ham had made a bid for his services and that they were willing to offer Reims a big price to get a deal over the line.
That never happened as the French side refused to do any last-minute business and preferred to keep the 27-year-old in their squad, despite his contract being due to expire next summer.
That means he is likely to leave on a free in a year’s time and in an interview with Het Niuewsblad, where West Ham’s interest was brought up, he’s commented on the situation.
“A departure was never an issue,” he told the newspaper.
“But yes, there were definitely options. The club was very clear in that. It is an important season for Reims, with four sacks in the Ligue 1. Therefore, for the board it was not an option for me to leave.
“The club has already given me a lot, so I thought it was only natural that I wasn’t going to be difficult now either. Next year we’ll see.
“Being a free agent is a good situation for me. Reims also grants me a free transfer at the end of this season, they have already said so and that shows that the mutual respect is great.
“I have a really good relationship with the club, but anyway: I am keeping all my options open.
“Everyone feels like sampling another league from time to time, but I don’t want to think about things that aren’t there now. Hopefully I get to experience the World Cup first.”
