FC Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Younes Belhanda still dreams of plying his trade in the English Premier League despite opting to leave Ligue 1 for the Ukrainian Premier League last summer.
The Morocco international, who joined Kyiv from Montpellier for €10 million, had been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prior to the start of the 2013/14 campaign.
However, none of the aforementioned speculation lead to an official approach, leaving Belhanda with only two options, Dynamo Kyiv and Al-Jazira.
Reports have implied Belhanda moved to Ukraine solely for economic reasons but the 24-year-old has rubbished these claims.
“My transfer to Kiev? I didn’t have any other offers, apart from Al-Jazira,” the former France youth international told France Football.
“People talked about Aston Villa and stated that I joined Kiev for money. If it was only for money, I would have joined Al-Jazira. They offered me double the wages I get in Kiev.
“How long will I stay at Dynamo? I don’t know. If I have opportunities to go higher, I will seize them.
“I am dreaming about England. Every player wants to play in England one day. I have to experience that.
“My favourite club? Arsenal, of course. It is the club of Frenchmen. Newcastle as well, but they are a step below. Manchester City and Liverpool are exciting too.
“There are so many clubs with big histories. That is England.”
Belhanda, whose current contract at the Lobanovskyi Dynamo Stadium expires in the summer of 2018, has scored six goals in 18 league appearances for the Ukrainian giants this season.
Thorgan Hazard ready for EPL football
In other news, Belgium international winger Thorgan Hazard, the younger brother of Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard, would like to play in the Bundesliga or English Premier League next season.
Hazard, 21, joined Chelsea in July 2012 but has spent the past two seasons on loan at Jupiler Pro League side S.V. Zulte Waregem.
The 21-year-old, who helped Essevee earn a second-place finish in the Belgian top-flight last term, has been on scintillating form in 2013/14, with 10 league goals to his name.
Although Hazard knows he is unlikely to force his way into the Blues’ first-team, he wants to test himself at a higher level next season, and rightfully so.
“At the end of the season, I’ll return to Chelsea,” said Hazard. “Then we will discuss our options.
“But next season I would like to play in the Premier League or in the Bundesliga.
“Chelsea will decide, but I won’t stay in Belgium.”
Where will Hazard play his football next term? Only time will but clubs will surely be lining up to sign the 21-year-old ace.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
