Club Brugge to search for Hans Vanaken successor this summer | OneFootball

Voetbalkrant are reporting that Club Brugge’s target this summer is to find the successor to Hans Vanaken. While this is by no means an indication that the 30-year-old is set to depart the club, it appears that they want to find a number 10 who can eventually replace Vanaken or play alongside him. The Belgian international was rumoured to be leaving the club last summer to join West Ham, but Club Brugge offered him a new deal to remain with the club.

Vanaken’s time at Club Brugge has seen one of the most successful periods in the sides history. They have won numerous titles, while individually the player has scored 115 goals in 387 games. The eventual replacement to the former Lokeren man will have a lot to live up to.

One option that appears to be on the table is to drop Vanaken into a lower central position, to allow a new number 10 to get game time alongside the experienced midfielder. The midfielder himself may be wary of ending up in the same situation as Ruud Vormer, who was frozen out and eventually left to join Zulte Waregem. Now, the Dutch midfielder is looking for a new club after the latter were relegated.

The side are also searching for a new head coach, with former title winner Philippe Clement rumoured to be interested in returning.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson