Transfer News

17-goal ace explains why he rejected £15 million deadline day move to West Ham

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Hans Vanaken has told the Mirror that he could have joined West Ham if he wanted to on transfer deadline day. But he rejected the move because he wants to win trophies.

In other news…Report: West Ham nearly made big money sale on deadline day but deal fell through

According to a report from HLN, Hammers boss David Moyes was prioritising a move to sign the Club Brugge ace last Monday.

But the Scot obviously failed to bring the 28-year-old to the London Stadium.

West Ham have a serious lack of depth in central midfield. And Vanaken would have been a very useful addition for us.

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Hans Vanaken (Photo by Jimmy Bolcina / Photonews via Getty Images)

Stats

The 28-year-old has racked up four goals and two assists already this season in just six league games for Club Brugge (Who Scored).

And last season he racked up 17 goals and three assists in 47 games in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

It seems as though we are now focusing on signing Said Benrahma and Craig Dawson, however.

Vanaken sat down with the Mirror and explained why he rejected the chance to join West Ham last week:

Belgium v Ivory Coast - International Friendly
Hans Vanaken (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

“If I had wanted to I could have signed for West Ham. I did think about their offer and I discussed it with a number of people around me. But West Ham did not feel like a logical step. I like to play for trophies, I want to win things – and I prefer to play in every game. I think I can reach a higher level staying here.”

It is undoubtedly a shame that we missed out on Vanaken. But if Moyes manages to bring Benrahma and/or Josh King to the London as well as a top class centre-back, it won’t be that bad a window after all.