Lyon were about to unveil Said Benrahma in front of live TV cameras before West Ham United transfer development
Lyon were about to unveil West Ham attacker Said Benrahma as their new signing in front of TV cameras before the deal collapsed, according to The Sun.
The UK news outlet shared on its website (2 February) that Lyon had the player at the training ground and were prepared to do a live unveiling for TV cameras after everything was agreed between the two clubs.
The French club are said to be furious along with Benrahma and his family with West Ham and the Premier League after their deadline day loan move (1 February) for the Algerian international fell through.
The former Brentford man was pictured in the Lyon attire ahead of his anticipated transfer and will have been unveiled in front of TV cameras before West Ham failed to complete the necessary paperwork.
Crazy scenes
This Benrahma saga is worth a TV series episode in itself and West Ham clearly are the ones to blame for all this.
This is a real dramatic turn by the Hammers who really looked to have sabotaged Said Benrahma’s move on purpose all because they didn’t find a replacement before the deadline.
Whether that is the case or not, it certainly appears that way and Lyon are very right to be furious at what’s happened because it all seemed like they had their man.
The French club have been desperate for brand new signings given their position in Ligue 1, fighting for their lives down the bottom and Benrahma was supposed to be the difference-making transfer.
However, that dream has been completely ruined by West Ham's ineptitude but more crucially, the East Londoners have derailed themselves in the process too.
They have now got an unhappy player in their camp and that will remain the case for the next five months which is made all the more damning given Benrahma hasn't given his best self at the club for over a year.
This development also ruins the Hammers' reputation in the market and 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 Hammers exit deal broke down after an offer was made, with a manager rejection detailed.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.