Said Benrahma deal now hangs in the balance despite everything agreed between West Ham United and Lyon – Jacob Steinberg
Said Benrahma’s exit remains “in the balance” despite everything being agreed already between West Ham and Lyon, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported the update via Twitter just before midday on 31 January to say that the Algerian international is “undecided” on following through with the switch to Ligue 1.
The Irons are said to be eager for the deal to be done, which David Ornstein had earlier reported was set to be a loan with an obligation to buy attached worth just over £12million.
Steinberg wrote: “Benrahma to Lyon still in the balance. Everything is agreed between the clubs but the winger is undecided. West Ham are keen for the deal to go through.”
Left hanging
If the success of attempts to land a replacement for Benrahma are anything to go by then this move might be set for a collapse at the last.
Deals for both Ibrahim Osman and Jota have now fallen through having at one stage or another looked likely, presumably leaving West Ham scrambling for another option before the 1 February deadline.
But at this rate they might end up with Benrahma back in at the London Stadium if he can’t be convinced by Lyon to head to France.
In theory that would protect David Moyes against having his attacking options depleted over the rest of the season, but with the former Brentford attacker only having had 13 Premier League appearances off the bench so far this term, just a handful of which have been starts, it may not make a huge difference to the Scot.
At his best Benrahma, a scorer as the Irons lifted the Europa Conference League trophy in May, can be close to unplayable, but the manager has often seemed reluctant to commit to a long run in the team.
He was sent off against Bristol City as West Ham were knocked out of the FA Cup on 16 January, and with Jarrod Bowen’s injury proving to be not as serious as originally feared and Mohammed Kudus due to return from the Africa Cup of Nations his opportunities don’t look extensive in London currently.
In other West Ham news, a deadline-busting bid to a Premier League rival have been tipped as the Irons chase a new striker.
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