After several adventures and a very hectic last day of the transfer window, Saïd Benrahma was able to leave West Ham this winter. The Algerian finally joined Olympique Lyonnais.
A courted man. This winter, Saïd Benrahma (28 years old) was flirted with by numerous teams. Very quickly, Olympique Lyonnais, looking for several reinforcements on the wings, checked the name of Algeria. An element which had the advantage of having already played in our beloved Ligue 1 . Indeed, he wore the OGC Nice jersey, where he played between 2013 and 2018 with the reserve then the professional team. Then, he was sent on loan to SCO Angers then Châteauroux. In 2018, he caught the eye of Brentford, then in the Championship (English D2).
There, the native of Aïn Témouchent continued his progress before moving to West Ham on loan in 2020. Author of one goal and seven assists in 33 matches in all competitions that season, he convinced the Hammers to move forward hand in hand with him. The Londoners spent around 23 million euros to keep Fennec (25 caps, 1 goal). A player who knew how to find a place within David Moyes' squad. But this winter, the former Manchester United coach opened the door to a departure for his player, author of 22 matches in all competitions.
Benrahma was very courted
OL, but also Olympique de Marseille, Fulham and Brentford have therefore positioned themselves to recover it. Highly in demand, the player, who did not participate in the last African Cup of Nations with his country, took the time to reflect. While the Gones reached an agreement with the Hammers on the eve of the end of the transfer window, Fulham tried to interfere in the deal to recruit the player. But according to our information, West Ham was not necessarily to strengthen another Premier League team. Meanwhile, Saïd Benrahma traveled towards Lyon , although he was not yet settled.
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Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre ...
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) February 2, 2024
Bienvenue Saïd 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/RHHHsCfB6r
Finally and after a huge imbroglio with the Hammers , requiring the intervention of FIFA, OL made the news official via a press release. “After having obtained all the documents allowing the validation of the operation, Olympique Lyonnais confirms the arrival on loan of the 28-year-old Algerian international striker, Saïd Benrahama, from West Ham, until June 30, 2024. This paying loan in the amount of £5.1 million (approximately €6 million) is accompanied by a purchase option of £12.3 million (approximately €14.4 million) and a 10% profit-sharing on the capital gain in the event of a possible transfer.” Lyon, which needed reinforcements on the wings, can therefore count on an experienced and talented player. Good news for a club looking to maintain.