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West Ham: Journalist attacks Irons over Vanaken
Journalist Peter Vandenbempt has criticised West Ham United for their conduct in previous attempts to sign Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken.
The Lowdown: Hammers target signs new deal…
The Irons, like in previous seasons, were repeatedly linked with a move for the Belgium international over the course of this year’s summer transfer window.
There were suggestions that Vanaken himself really wanted to join West Ham but it appears both the Premier League side and Brugge were having trouble agreeing a deal.
As a result, all hope faded with the forward then putting pen to paper on a contract extension with the Jupiler Pro League high-flyers.
The Latest: Vandenbempt criticises West Ham…
Now, Dutch reporter Vandenbempt has criticised David Moyes’ side for their attempts at business over Vanaken – specifically for not paying the required transfer fee.
He explained (via voetbal 24):
“West Ham has been courting Vanaken for a few years, but when they have to pay they don’t do it. They don’t want to go further than 10 to 11 million and that is a sign of little respect.”
The Verdict: Regrettable?
Head of recruitment Rob Newman and the club clearly didn’t see enough in Vanaken to pay over the odds, but only time will tell whether that proves to be the correct call.
The 30-year-old stood out as a star player for Brugge last season, finishing 2021/22 as their third top goal scorer domestically with 11 strikes and nine assists to boot (WhoScored).
Overall, Vanaken also ranked in Brugge’s top three best-performing players by average match rating per 90 – so the quality is certainly there.
That being said, at 30, the forward would’ve come with little sell-on value, so perhaps that came into the club’s thinking.
