Said Benrahma could finally leave West Ham United after Mohammed Kudus development
Said Benrhama could finally be set to leave West Ham in the January transfer window after Mohammed Kudus and Ghana were all-but-knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on 22 January.
Ghana threw away a two-goal lead which came courtesy of Crystal Palace winger Jordan Ayew to draw 2-2 with Mozambique, picking up just two points from their three group games.
However, this has brought good news for West Ham, with Kudus set to return to the London Stadium sooner than expected, which could mean an exit for Benrahma after all.
The winger has been heavily linked with a move away from West Ham in the January transfer window, with Lyon, Brentford, Wolves [Santi Aouna, 16 January] and Marseille [Sky Sports, 17 January] among the contenders.
However, it had been a sticking point of the move that the Hammers were reluctant to let him go amid a crisis of attacking players. Kudus was away at AFCON, while Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Michail Antonio were all injured, leaving the squad short of depth.
With Kudus now returning earlier than expected, with the tournament not finishing until 11 February if Ghana had gone all the way, and Bowen having already returned from injury, that depth is starting to return.
This could allow Benrahma to leave the club after all, particularly if another forward arrives at the London Stadium in the coming days, meaning he could finally put an end to his torrid season in East London.
It looked as if he may have played his last game for West Ham when he was sent off in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Bristol City for a petulant kick out at his opponent, and that may now come true.
BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce slammed the Algerian live during the coverage of the FA Cup clash, stating: “It was right in front of the assistant referee, no more than eight feet away and the red is coming. What a rotten season he is having.”
Interest from Wolves and Brentford remains, with Fulham having been linked earlier in the window, but if any of the three Premier League clubs make a move for him, they will now have to contend with a three-game suspension as a result of his petulance.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are the most likely suitors for a £35million Chelsea ace.
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.