Sofiane Hanni could have made an emotional return to Brussels much sooner than expected. The Algerian international, currently playing for Spartak Moscow, was seriously considered by Anderlecht’s management as a potential solution to the club’s creative struggles. Looking to inject imagination and experience into their midfield, the Belgian giants explored the possibility of bringing back their former captain during the previous summer transfer window.
The idea did not come out of nowhere. Hanni, who enjoyed some of the best years of his career at Anderlecht, remains deeply attached to the club. In an interview with La Dernière Heure / Les Sports, the attacking midfielder confirmed that discussions did indeed take place—though not directly with him. “I didn’t speak with Anderlecht personally, but there were talks between the clubs,” he explained. Those negotiations involved Spartak Moscow, where Hanni has been under contract since leaving Belgium.
Despite Spartak’s reluctance to part ways with the player, even on a temporary basis, the option of a return was very real in Hanni’s mind. “My heart really wanted to come back,” he admitted. “Anderlecht is my second home.” These words underline the strong emotional bond that still ties him to the Brussels-based club, where he was once a fan favorite and a central figure in the team’s attacking play.
However, sentiment alone was not enough to convince him. Ultimately, Hanni chose to stay in Moscow, driven by personal pride and competitive ambition. “I’m too competitive to accept returning like that, through the back door,” he said. “It would have felt like a failure. I wanted to prove what I was capable of.” For the Algerian, a return under such circumstances—without a clear sporting project and amid uncertainty—did not align with his desire to reassert himself at the highest level.
This season, Hanni has featured in 16 Russian Premier League matches for Spartak Moscow, scoring one goal and providing three assists. While those statistics may not fully reflect his influence on the pitch, they show that he has remained an active part of his team’s rotation in a demanding and physical league.
Despite the distance, Hanni continues to follow Anderlecht closely. “It’s my second home, and I watch every match,” he revealed. Though realistic about the club’s current situation, he remains optimistic. “They won’t be champions, but I still believe a top-three finish is possible. They need to win against Standard, and then anything can happen.” His comments reflect both his affection for the club and his understanding of Belgian football’s competitive landscape.
Hanni’s departure from Anderlecht was not without controversy. Part of the reason he left was due to a strained relationship with sections of the fanbase, who had turned against him during his final months at the club. Even so, time appears to have softened those tensions, leaving open the possibility—at least emotionally—of a future reunion.
For now, Sofiane Hanni remains focused on his career in Russia, but his story with Anderlecht is far from closed.
