West Ham United respond to Said Benrahma bid as transfer new emerges
Marseille have seen their loan bid, with an option to buy, for Said Benrahma turned down by West Ham, according to Foot Mercato.
The website reported [16 January] that the Ligue 1 club have already had an official offer for the Hammers outcast rejected, with the London side demanding £19.8million for the player.
It is understood that Marseille are readying another bid to combat the interest from Premier League duo Brentford and Wolves, hoping to get ahead of the competition.
The Algerian has been at the centre of transfer rumours ever since the January window opened up, with West Ham open to the player’s departure but for the right fee.
The right offer
The Hammers are in no rush to sell, especially with the recent injuries to Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, as well as Michail Antonio’s long-term spell on the sidelines and Mohammed Kudus away on international duty.
But with Brentford and Wolves likely targeting a loan move for the out-of-favour winger, it might be difficult to turn down another loan-to-buy bid from the French club.
Although West Ham would not see the impact of the funds straight away, they would still be able to make some of their money back on the 154-time appearance maker.
After the forward signed from Brentford on a £5million loan fee in 2020, the Hammers exercised the option to make the deal permanent for £20million, with £5million in add-ons, as per BBC Sport.
Though West Ham are unlikely to make a profit on the player, Marseille represent a good option to help claim some of that transfer fee back, one that makes sense for all parties, considering his lack of playing time this season.
He has made just five Premier League starts this season after playing an important role in West Ham’s Europa Conference League-wining campaign, with David Moyes’ plans pointed elsewhere.
In other West Ham news, early team news has broken ahead of the Bristol City game.