West Ham United expected to sell Said Benrahma but 8-figure transfer could be blocked by ban
Said Benrahma may see a permanent West Ham exit to Lyon “thwarted” by a transfer ban on the French club, according to Roshane Thomas.
The Athletic journalist reported via the outlet’s website on 4 June that the Algerian international is still expected to leave the London Stadium this summer, having spent the second half of last term at the Ligue 1 side on loan.
Benrahma, 28, fell out of favour under David Moyes but is still likely to move on despite the arrival of Julen Lopetegui as manager.
He has made 155 West Ham appearances and scored a penalty in the final of the Europa Conference League triumph a year ago.
According to Sean Whetstone of West Ham Football (17 May) Lyon’s ban is related to irregularities in the budget presented by John Textor, requiring the club to gain permission from the French football financial watchdog.
West Ham man not set for reprieve under Julen Lopetegui
Letting Benrahma and Pablo Fornals leave in January without bringing in any attacking replacements probably helped contribute to the end of Moyes reign at West Ham.
But while the Hammers clearly do need to add in forward areas the time has surely come for the former Brentford man to depart, and after 15 total appearances with three goals and four assists in France a permanent deal there would make most sense.
The club were reported to have a €12million [£10.2m] option in Benrahma’s loan deal [Florian Plettenberg, 1 February], but if they don’t have permission to make any signings then it will become a moot point however, and another destination will likely need to be found.
The Bees were reported to be interested in taking him back in January [Santi Aouna, 10 January] but it remains to be seen whether they still would be this summer.
Tim Steidten has been in Brazil looking to get a deal done to sign a new winger in Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme, with documents exchanged as the moves towards a conclusion [Bruno Andrade, 3 June], while there is also interest in Vitoria Guimaraes’ Jota Silva.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have outbid a double-winning club to get ahead for a new signing.
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