West Ham United: David Sullivan sack decision pending after ’embarrassing’ saga
Frank McAvennie believes whoever dealt with the “embarrassing” West Ham Deadline Day exit sagas involving Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals should be sacked.
The Hammers confirmed the departure of the Algeria international (2 February) who joined the French Ligue 1 club following a transfer deadline day delay at the London Stadium.
Lyon accused the Hammers of “incomprehensible behaviour” and a “lack of respect” after the move failed to be completed late on Deadline Day and complained to FIFA who later approved Benrahma’s exit after the deadline.
The deal for Pablo Fornals to join Real Betis was also set to go through on transfer deadline day but was delayed after a “computer problem” on the Hammers’ side before Betis also complained to FIFA along with Lyon.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Ah, it was embarrassing, wasn’t it?
“It’s embarrassing for the whole club and whoever deal with that should be sacked by David Sullivan.
“Deadline Day, you’ve got to have competent staff to deal with any issues that arise and people who know what they’re doing.
“You know we’re trying to be a big club and things like that just embarrass the club really and those at the top
“It’s a strange one really because both deals were all set to go through before the deadline but for whatever reason, it didn’t happen.
“Those clubs were right to consult FIFA in all honesty because that is totally wrong from West Ham.”
West Ham transfer reputation could be down the drain
The Benrahma saga was worthy of a TV drama series and West Ham were clearly the ones to blame as the situation spiralled out of control and required a FIFA intervention.
It was a real dramatic turn of events as the Hammers looked like they wanted to sabotage Benrahma’s move on purpose all because they didn’t find a replacement before the deadline.
That dream was close to being ruined by West Ham’s ineptitude but more crucially, the East Londoners have derailed themselves in the process.
This development certainly ruins the club’s reputation in the market.
The next time they want to offload an unhappy or a wantaway player, interested parties may not be so willing to do business after this.
In other West Ham news, a new Jesse Lingard twist has emerged.
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