Soccer Football - International Friendly - Republic of Ireland v Belgium - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - March 26, 2022 Belgium's Hans Vanaken celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
West Ham United should get a deal for Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken ‘over the line’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The lowdown: Strong interest
The Hammers have been heavily linked with a move for Vanaken in recent days and reputable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently cited a ‘new bid’ from the east Londoners.
However, the fresh offer of €11million (£9.2million) plus add-ons isn’t believed to be enough to satisfy the Belgian outfit to part ways with their 30-year-old captain and West Ham may need to significantly increase their bid.
Now, another well-informed onlooker has had his say on the speculation surrounding Vanaken and a possible move to the London Stadium…
The latest: ‘This deal…’
Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke has claimed that West Ham should be able to get the 21-cap Belgium international to England…
“He’s not getting any younger, so this is his last chance to get a big money move and move to the Premier League.
“So I think if West Ham up their offer again and if the player pushes for it – which it does seem like he’s going to – I think this deal could get over the line.”
The verdict: Make it happen
Earning a reported €34,000 (£28,000) per week currently, it’s no surprise that Vanaken would be keen to make a ‘big money’ switch to the Hammers, where only three first-team players are on less than the attacking midfield powerhouse.
So far this season, the 6 foot 3 ace has scored once in five Jupiler Pro League outings, earning a superb 7.24 SofaScore rating whilst winning 6.2 duels, successfully completing 1.2 dribbles and making 2.8 key passes on average per game, highlighting phenomenal current form that would be welcomed by David Moyes.
With Brugge standing firm and refusing to sell on the cheap, the price could skyrocket the closer we get to the deadline, but it looks like it could be money well spent for Moyes and GSB.
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