Jacob Steinberg claims that despite everything having previously been agreed upon by West Ham and Lyon, said Benrahma’s departure is still “in the balance.”
Just before noon on January 31, a writer for The Guardian tweeted an update stating that the Algerian international is “undecided” about moving forward with the transition to Ligue 1.
The Irons are reportedly excited about closing the transaction, which David Ornstein had previously said was expected to be a loan with a purchase obligation attached for somewhat more than £12 million.
“Benrahma to Lyon still in the balance,” wrote Steinberg. The clubs have reached an agreement on everything, but the winger is unsure. West Ham is eager for the agreement to close.
Suspended
This move may be destined to fail at the last minute, judging by the success of efforts to find Benrahma’s replacement.
Jota and Ibrahim Osman’s deals, which at one point were certain, have suddenly fallen through, probably leaving West Ham looking for a different solution before the deadline of February 1.
However, if Lyon is unable to persuade Benrahma to travel to France, they may find themselves back at the London Stadium at this pace.
Although the former Brentford attacker has only made 13 Premier League appearances off the bench this season—just a few of which have been starts—that should theoretically shield David Moyes against having his attacking options limited for the remainder of the campaign. Still, it might not have a significant impact on the Scot.
In peak form Benrahma can be nearly unplayable at times, but the management has frequently shown reluctance to commit to a lengthy tenure with the squad. Benrahma scored when the Irons won the Europa Conference League trophy in May.
His options don’t seem to be very good in London right now, since Jarrod Bowen’s injury isn’t as bad as first thought and Mohammed Kudus is returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. He was sent off against Bristol City on January 16, the day West Ham was eliminated from the FA Cup.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are reportedly close to making a deadline-busting offer to a Premier League opponent in their pursuit of a new striker.