---
title: "Thomas Meunier on why he rejected West Ham"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2017/02/27/thomas-meunier-rejected-west-ham/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2017-02-27T13:32:19Z"
modified: "2017-02-27T13:32:19Z"
---

# Thomas Meunier on why he rejected West Ham

West Ham were desperate to bring in a right-back during the summer transfer window and ended up signing Alvaro Arbeloa on a free transfer after his release from Real Madrid, but he was very much a reserve choice.

One of the Hammers’ primary targets for the position was Club Brugge’s Thomas Meunier. The Belgian had impressed for Brugge which prompted PSG to make a £5m move for the fullback prior to Euro 2016 where he impressed for his country.

The 25-year-old has revealed he had offers from a number of clubs, including West Ham, but the chance to play in the Champions League for the Ligue 1 champions was too good to turn down.

“I could choose between six or seven clubs, most of the English Premier League,” Meunier told French outlet *Telefoot* (h/t the [Express](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/772600/Thomas-Meunier-Tottenham-West-Ham-Middlesbrough-Transfer-News-Rumours-Gossip)).

“There was interest from West Ham, Middlesbrough and Tottenham. From Italy, there was interest from Napoli, where I almost signed a contract. PSG were the last club to jump into the dance.

“Here I am statistically more likely to play in the Champions League than in Naples. That’s why I opted for PSG.”

West Ham have been forced to use Cheikhou Kouyate at right-back this season and signing an experienced player at the position is a summer priority for Slaven Bilic.