Former Rangers manager Philippe Clement is confident Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken would do well at Manchester City if they were to sign him.
Het Laatste Nieuws have a detailed piece on the 33-year-old where they discuss his career. They also cover comments from his former coaches and opposition managers who have praised him in the past.
This includes Manchester City boss Pep Guaridola.
“Hans Vanaken is an exceptional player. He plays long balls but also combines well with the fast wingers,” Guardiola said last year.
The attacking midfielder has been with the Jupiler Pro League side since 2015. He’s managed 145 goals and 110 assists from 529 matches for Club Brugge so far, and is something of a club legend.
Clement managed the Belgium international during his three-year spell at Club Brugge between 2019 and 2022.
Vanaken excelled under his orders, contributing 61 goals [43 goals and 18 assists] from 122 matches.
Clement, who is yet to return to the bench since leaving Rangers in February, explained how the player improved under his orders. The manager then said Vanaken could make a mark if he were to join Manchester City.
“In my meetings, Hans was always one of the main points of attention. What he really struggled with in the beginning was man-to-man marking. A player who was constantly on his toes for ninety minutes could really get to him, even during matches. That’s improved over the years,” he said.
“Hans can make a difference in any team with players running around him. He could even play perfectly at Manchester City. I’m absolutely convinced of that.”
Unfortunately for Vanaken, Manchester City haven’t been seriously linked recently.