Report: Versatile 6ft 5in star who rejected Moyes last summer is now open to West Ham move

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According to a report from Belgian outlet Voetbal24, Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken is on his way to the Premier League and is open to joining West Ham United.

If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s because the versatile midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Hammers in the summer as well.

West Ham were in the market looking for a replacement for Jesse Lingard. The Englishman joined the Irons on loan at the start of this year and became one of the best players in the country. Once it became clear that he would be staying at Manchester United in the summer, Moyes wanted another number 10, and Vanaken was reportedly an option.

However, that move did not materialise for one particular reason.

Hans Vanaken rejected West Ham last summer

It really did look like West Ham would sign Vanaken last summer. However, the Belgian decided to turn down a move to the Hammers.

Why? Because the Belgian only wanted to move to a club where he would compete for trophies and he didn’t view the Irons as a side capable of achieving big things in the Premier League and in Europe.

West Ham turned their attention on Nikola Vlasic instead and Moyes managed to sign him for £25.7 million, plus £7.7 million in potential add-ons (The Athletic). However, the Croatian is yet to score a goal for the Irons, which could push the Hammers boss to consider signing another attacking midfielder next month.

Vanaken would be open to joining the Hammers now

The report claims that Vanaken’s opinion of West Ham has completely changed now.

Back in the summer, he saw the Irons as a side not capable of achieving big things. However, after seeing Moyes’ men qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League and knocking Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup, the Belgian feels that a move to the London Stadium is a step up for him at this stage of his career.

The 6ft 5in Brugge star would be an interesting option for West Ham. He can play anywhere in central midfield, as a second striker and also on the left flank. He has scored eight goals and has provided four assists this season and there’s no doubt about the fact that he’s a talented player.

However, he will turn 30 in the summer. Is it really wise for West Ham to fork out a good amount of money on someone who only has a few years left at the top level? We don’t think so, and the fact that he has already rejected the Hammers once makes his signing a lot less appealing now.