In a recent report, Voetbal 24 has mentioned that former West Ham United target Hans Vanaken could be available for a transfer this summer. It has also been revealed that the Belgium international and his wife were charmed at the prospect of moving to London last summer, but a move to join the Hammers failed to materialize back then (via Voetbal 24).
Vanaken’s Outstanding Form At The Jan Breydel Stadium This Season
Vanaken is having a sensational season at Club Brugge after producing a run of match-winning displays for them thus far. The Neerpelt-born talent has banged in 11 goals and provided seven assists in 36 matches for the Belgian outfit this term across multiple competitions.
The 28-year-old has given a good account of himself as he is averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.8 shots, 1.9 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Jupiler Pro League. Vanaken has also been a tidy ball distributor as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 85.8% in the Belgian first division (stats via whoscored).
The talented playmaker is currently under contract at Brugge until the summer of 2025, so it won’t be easy for the Hammers to tempt the Belgian outfit into selling their prized asset unless they can make a big-money offer for him this summer.
What Will The Belgian Playmaker Bring To The London Stadium?
Vanaken makes up for his lack of pace by working his socks off in the opposition half. He can also read the game well and is proficient at getting himself into some promising positions in and around the opponent’s penalty area. Vanaken has got the eye to play a killer pass in the final third and can also get stuck in with a few tackles to earn possession back for his team. Standing at 1.95m, the nine-time Belgium international is a towering presence on the field and can use his strength to dominate the opposition in the air.
Should David Moyes Launch A Move For Vanaken This Summer?
However, Vanaken is sometimes too slow with his movements which can make him a liability on the field. Even then there is no denying that he is a quality playmaker who would add a lot of depth and variety to David Moyes’ attack if the West Ham boss can find a way to get a deal over the line for him this summer.
Vanaken will also offer some much-needed competition for the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Manuel Lanzini, and Pablo Fornals in the race to start in the number ten position in Moyes’ first-team. All in all, the East London giants should consider making a move to lure the Belgian attacker to the English capital in this off-season if they have the funds to pull off such a transfer.
