West Ham’s Said Benrahma Loan Deal Collapse Blamed on Lack of Respect
Lyon has accused West Ham of showing “a profound lack of respect” in the collapse of a loan deal for Said Benrahma, a 28-year-old Algerian winger. The deal was set to go through on transfer deadline day, but West Ham confirmed in the early hours of Friday that it was “unable to be completed before 11pm.”
In a strongly-worded statement, Lyon criticized West Ham’s “incomprehensible behavior” and accused them of not taking the required action to complete the deal. Lyon, owned by Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings, said they reserve the right to undertake all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the transaction at a later date and to hold West Ham responsible if necessary.
Benrahma joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020, but has struggled to make an impact this season, with 22 appearances but no goals and a red card in the FA Cup. The collapse of the loan deal with Lyon further complicates his future at the club.
Meanwhile, West Ham also failed to confirm Pablo Fornals’ move to La Liga side Real Betis before the transfer window closed. Fornals has struggled to secure a regular starting spot this season, starting only four Premier League games in 2023-24.
The collapse of the Benrahma loan deal and Fornals’ potential move to Real Betis add to the uncertainty surrounding West Ham at the end of the transfer window.
Historically, loan deals in football have been a common way for clubs to manage their squad and playing time for their players. However, the collapse of such deals due to disagreements between clubs is not unheard of and can be a source of tension between the parties involved.
As the fallout from this failed loan deal continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact both West Ham and Benrahma’s future.
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