David Sullivan to regret Said Benrahma decision after what West Ham United loanee did
David Sullivan may regret allowing Said Benrahma to leave West Ham on loan in January, with the club set to take a significant loss on the winger.
The Hammers signed the Algerian from Brentford on a £20million deal in 2020, with add-ons raising the price to £25million, becoming a liked figure at the London Stadium. [BBCSport]
This was until the 2023/24 campaign when Benrahma was starved of game time by David Moyes, prompting him to search for a loan spell once the January transfer window rolled around.
The 28-year-old joined Lyon in Ligue 1, seemingly impressing as he notched three goals and four assists in 15 appearances. According to BBC Sport, the French club will now be obligated to purchase him for £15million.
Despite the fallout in January between the club, player and fans, Sullivan may look back on that decision with regret, especially after Benrahma’s international appearance on Thursday 6 June.
During a 2-1 defeat to Guinea in a World Cup qualification match, the winger tied up the scoring with a sensational effort, dinking the ball over an onrushing Ibrahim Kone, continuing his club form for Algeria.
West Ham could regret Said Benrahma decision this summer
Benrahma still has a lot to offer on the football pitch, and after 155 appearances for the Irons throughout his career in London, it seems like a sad ending between the two parties.
The winger was receiving limited chances from Moyes, though the Scot’s decisions were scrutinised throughout most of the 2023/24 campaign, which finally led to his demise.
If Lyon does have an obligation to buy the West Ham loanee this summer, Sullivan will have to accept the loss on the once-liked Hammer, but could very much regret his decision in the long run.
Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen have both been linked with moves away this summer, while Lucas Paqueta is mixed up in problems of his own, which could leave Julen Lopetegui light on the flanks.
While Benrahma may have dipped his form in his final few months at the London Stadium, it doesn’t look like a totally awful option to have for next season anymore.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are at risk of looking silly after the latest Tim Steidten summer transfer find.
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