Reports: West Ham’s Said Benrahma Move To Lyon Collapses
As of Wednesday January 31st, there was an agreement in principle between the Hammers and OL Lyon for the deadline day transfer of Said Benrahma. The 28-year-old had reportedly accepted the offer and was set to travel to complete his medical on Thursday ahead of completing the deal worth £15 million when the season ends.
After shining for Brentford in his first season in English football, where he was part of the famous ‘BMW’ trio starring Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins, the Algerian delivered 28 goals across 91 appearances.
He joined the Hammers on loan in 2020, and although he only returned with the solitary goal, Benrahma’s finesse, experience and technical ability was rewarded with a permanent contract that currently runs until 2026.
Last season, he amassed 52 appearances for West Ham and delivered 12 goals and five assists across all competitions. His 62nd minute penalty for David Moyes’ side in the UEFA Conference League final led the team to one of their most historic nights.
The season before, he clocked over 2,100 minutes in the PL and recorded 17 G/A. A slew of robust signings, such as Lucas Paqueta (operating from the left) and James Ward-Prowse has reduced Benrahma to a bit-part role.
It’s been a downslide since, as Benrahma was dropped from the Algerian squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Besides that, he hasn’t gotten himself on the scoresheet for West Ham this season.
Bowing out of the FA Cup to Bristol City in the third-round replay where Benrahma was given his marching orders in the 51st minute must’ve been the final straw for his Hammers career.
The thought was that a move to France could revitalize the former OGC Nice talent’s career. He is a creative spark when in full flow, a chance creator, and an able finisher both inside and outside the box.
Clearly not one of Moyes’ favorites, it made sense for the winger to venture into a new endeavor.
However, although the deal was agreed to in principle, evidently the paperwork for the transaction was never completed. At least that’s the story Lyon are spinning, accusing the Premier League side of a “profound lack of respect” for the FIFA transfer matching system process.
In a statement posted to their club website, Lyon remarked “Following this incomprehensible behaviour… the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time,”
“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards the institution and the player.”
“The club reserves the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the transaction at a later date, and to hold West Ham responsible if necessary.”
For their part, West Ham has remained mum on the matter for the time being, however a club spokesperson did confirm to several media outlets that the deal was in effect dead at this point.
With his future with the Hammers murkier than ever, Benrahma now appears to be caught in limbo after believing himself to be headed to France only a day prior. West Ham is next in action on Sunday February 4th against Manchester United.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Mounirnole. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.