West Ham United fans will be furious at Said Benrahma exit strategy
Frank McAvennie believes Said Benrahma didn’t go about his West Ham exit strategy the right way and fans will be glad to see the back of him.
The Hammers confirmed the departure of the Algeria international (2 February) who joined the French Ligue 1 club – initially on loan – 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.
However, club CEO Laurent Prud’homme later said FIFA had validated the club’s request for an international transfer certificate with the deal finally announced on Friday (2 February) joining for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I’m pleased the club let Pablo Fornals go because he wanted to go and play.
“He did great for the club, he was a terrific servant and he deserved his move in all honesty.
“Every time he wore the West Ham shirt, he gave 100 per cent and he didn’t throw his toys out the pram over a move. He always got his head down and worked hard so I’m pleased that they were able to get his exit done after what happened.
“However, don’t think I can say the same for Benrahma, to be honest. He looked as if he didn’t want to be there. And the way he went about his wishes to exit was terrible.
“When you go on that pitch, you’ve got to give 100 per cent and then you can speak to the manager. His body language was of a player who didn’t want to be there and strategy will have certainly left some fans unhappy.
“I was annoyed when we thought we had to keep him but we got it through luckily so some fans will be pleased to see the back of him.“
Benrahma may not play at London Stadium again
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.
Indeed, some fans will have been fuming to see him stay at the club given his recent struggles and inability to perform to his best when given the opportunity by Moyes.
Benrahma looked like he couldn’t get away any faster and that’s been a representation of the latter stages of his career at the London Stadium.
Fans may never see him don the West Ham shirt again.
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