West Ham United’s Winger Said Benrahma in Demand Amid Limited Playtime
Struggling to secure regular game time this season at West Ham United, star winger Said Benrahma has become a subject of attention for potential suitors, according to transfer insider Dean Jones speaking to GIVEMESPORT. The winger’s prospects for a January departure have been further fueled by his scarcity of minutes on the pitch.
Despite West Ham’s triumph in winning the Europa Conference League trophy last season, manager David Moyes made substantial reinforcements during the summer, investing nearly £120 million to fortify the squad and maintain the progress trajectory, particularly in the wake of Declan Rice’s potential exit. However, the emergence of new talents, like Mohammed Kudus, has led to Benrahma’s decline in the team’s pecking order.
MailOnline reports that West Ham is gearing up to offload Benrahma, with domestic rivals Fulham and Ligue 1 side Lyon expressing interest in acquiring his services. The expectation of his departure has also attracted inquiries from affluent clubs in Saudi Arabia, prompting his new agent to engage in discussions with Moyes regarding the player’s future at West Ham.
Although Benrahma is eager for a fresh challenge due to the stiff competition he faces in the squad, esteemed reporter Paul Brown emphasizes that his departure hinges on securing a worthy replacement. Nonetheless, Benrahma’s limited playing time has also affected his international prospects, as he was excluded from Algeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, potentially intensifying his desire to seek new opportunities.
Having secured Benrahma’s services on loan, West Ham finalized his permanent move from Brentford for a £20 million fee in the 2021 winter window, placing the club in a favorable position despite interest from potential suitors. The winger’s contractual obligations, with two-and-a-half years remaining on a £55,000-per-week deal, imply that West Ham has the upper hand in negotiations and can afford to wait until their requirements are met.
Dean Jones, sharing insights on Benrahma’s situation, believes it would be mutually beneficial for the player and the club if he pursues a new path before the February 1 deadline. Jones also highlights that Lyon faces competition from other Ligue 1 teams for Benrahma’s signature, while interest from Saudi Arabia and potentially the Premier League could materialize.
In Jones’ view, the prospect of Benrahma remaining at West Ham seems unlikely, given the limited opportunities and the considerable interest from multiple quarters. His departure, along with that of other players, appears to be on the horizon as West Ham navigates the January transfer window.
