Leander Dendoncker and his failed transfers remains a big concern in Belgium, especially since it’s affecting Anderlecht’s form.
One of their stalwarts last season, the defensive midfielder saw a summer transfer pass him by while Youri Tielemans headed to Monaco, and the same happened in January.
West Ham appeared to be the most interested, but David Moyes’ inability to make a decision means the 22-year-old remains in Belgium for the time being.
However, his recent performances are worrying not only for him but for Anderlecht and its fans, and that includes Het Nieuwsblad, who aren’t exactly pleased with what’s going on at the club.
So much so, in fact, that they decided to write a note for each player in the side, with a rather strongly worded one aimed at the West Ham target.
They wrote: “Dear Leander, we put you last year as one of front runners for the Golden Shoe. Should we be ashamed of that now? Last season, you were a marathon man. Now you are sometimes a shadow, invisible.
“We understand that a missed transfer can creep into your head, and you even missed two, but if you want to go to a top competition, you must be mentally strong, as they’ll have no sympathy if you sometimes slip. Focus, you are the captain of Anderlecht. If not, everyone will wonder who will pay €15m for you”.
The player himself admitted after the summer transfer window that his missed transfer was affecting how he was playing on the pitch, but things looked to have taken a turn for the better prior to January, only for West Ham’s, and subsequently Crystal Palace’s and Watford’s, interest in him to derail all of that.
This is likely to continue to be one of the big stories in Belgium, and his performances will constantly be scrutinised.
But we reckon that whatever happens, West Ham or someone else will be ready with €15m in the summer window.
