£20m exit reveal made at West Ham United as Said Benrahma transfer news emerges
West Ham “want a guaranteed deal of around £20million” for Said Benrahma as Ligue 1 side Lyon ready a “shock” deal for January, according to Alan Nixon.
The journalist reported via The Sun [30 December] that West Ham are open to a six-month loan with a buy-clause in the deal of a £20million transfer in the summer if Lyon are to avoid relegation.
It is understood that David Moyes would be open to the transfer if the Hammers can provide a replacement for the 28-year-old, with Saudi Arabian clubs also interested in the Hammers outcast.
Lyon want permission to make an official approach to Benrahma so they can convince him to make the move.
End of the road
Benrahma was signed from Brentford in 2021 for a £25million fee plus £5million in add-ons and has been a good servant to the Irons, making 153 appearances, scoring 24 goals and assisting a further 19.
However, the Algerian has been frozen out of David Moyes’ squad this season with the manager favouring an attacking trio of Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta.
With just four Premier League starts this season, and only one goal contribution, there is little to no chance of Benrahma reclaiming a place in Moyes’ starting XI anytime soon.
Despite his history at the club, it seems like a good time for both parties to move on. Lyon present as a brilliant option for West Ham to offload the player, with most of their money made back from any potential transfer fee after a successful loan.
The West Ham hierarchy could be looking for a quick buck, though, and reject any idea of a loan move if there are opportunities for a permanent transfer.
Lyon are keen to avoid relegation, sitting just two points above Toulouse in the relegation qualification spot. A January loan offer before making the move permanent next summer could be beneficial for all involved unless a higher bid comes in from a Saudi club.
In other West Ham news, a ludicrous update has emerged surrounding Mohammed Kudus’ availability against Brighton.