West Ham target Hans Vanaken has signed a new five-year contract with Club Brugge.
The Belgian international has been pushing for a move to a bigger European league and has looked close to getting it this summer with West Ham trying to sign him.
However, Club Brugge’s asking price was ultimately too high and the London club opted to go for Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta instead.
With a move there not possible, Vanaken has now signed a new contract, and says he’s happy to do so.
“We have chatted a lot in recent days, there were a lot of conversations,” he said.
“The respect is so great from both sides that we made this decision together. I am very happy that after those seven years I can knit at least five more.”
The Pro League champions have thanked the player as well as the fans for continuing to support him.
“I only have one word for it: respect,” said chairman Bart Verhaeghe.
“For a very big player of the club, who is already an icon today. That has translated into a new contract until 2027. We are very grateful to him, his wife, his family and the entire entourage that he is taking that step together with us.
“I am also very happy with the respect that you fans have shown for him in the last matches. We are overjoyed that Hans is still with us.”
GBeNeFN
