The news that Ligue 1 team Lyon has had a deal accepted by the club for West Ham forward Said Benrahama has come as a shock to Brentford and Fulham.
This month, there were rumors that the former Bees player would be heading back to West London, with connections being made to Fulham and Brentford. Under David Moyes, the Algerian has lost favor this season. He has only made seven Premier League starts, and in his most recent appearance—an FA Cup loss to Championship team Bristol City—he was sent the red card.
With a ‘affordable return contract’ supposedly available for Thomas Frank’s team, Benrahama had reportedly become a target for Fulham and Brentford. Marco Silva, meanwhile, stated that following Tuesday’s draw against Everton, Fulham would be extremely unlikely to make any transfers before Deadline Day.
Benrahma had previously moved to Brentford for three years, from 2018 to 2021, before paying £25 million to make the loan permanent. Benrahma made 94 games during his first stint in red and white, tallying 30 goals and 27 assists.
Frank showered the attacker with plaudits during that period, calling him “magnificent” following a hat-trick against Hull City in 2020. “He was magnificent in his actions, his touches, and of course scoring three goals,” the boss declared. He had a really great performance.”
But according to Sky Sports, Lyon has emerged victorious in their negotiations to reach an agreement with West Ham. The club has agreed to a loan agreement that requires it to be purchased this summer at a cost of about £15 million. The source also notes that Benrahma has not yet indicated if he is eager to transfer, which gives prospective Premier League teams some optimism because the forward’s contract is scheduled to end in 2026.
Accepting Benrahma’s departure will put more pressure on West Ham to complete their transfers for the talented Ibrahim Osman and former Celtic player Jota during this transfer window. Both have been connected to moves to the Hammers, who are looking to increase their alternatives for strikers. Moyes and his team would have a dilemma if Benrahma were to leave without a replacement.
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