Why West Ham should sign Eberechi Eze over Said Benrahma

With West Ham’s Premier League season finally done and dusted, everyone’s attention has now fully been drawn to the summer transfer window.

As usual, West Ham has already been linked to half the players under the sun but two of the recurring names being mentioned are QPR’s Eberechi Eze and Brentford’s Said Benrahma.

As suspected David Moyes won’t be given a large transfer budget, meaning the Scotsman will have to choose which player he will try to tempt to the London Stadium.

While both players would be great additions, there are several reasons why Eze should be the man that West Ham splash the cash on.

Ability and Form

Eze and Benrahma have arguably been two of the Championships standout performers this season, with both players setting the league alight with some scintillating performances.

Benrahma boasts the superior stats having scored 17 goals and assisting a further 9 as the Bee’s fired themselves into the playoffs. Eze, on the other hand, scored 14 goals and also bagged 8 assists for QPR according to TransferMarkt.

While both players have had great seasons, Eze’s figures are all the more impressive considering the players he’s had around him. The 22-year-old has been the shining star in an otherwise average QPR side whose playoff hopes faded away in the second half of the season.

Benrahma on the other hand, has been playing in one of the most talented sides in the Championship this season. Brentford has been a free-scoring side all season so there is no doubt as to why the Algerian’s stats are better than Eze’s.

Benrahma has arguably had better service than his West London counterpart and while his quality is obvious, if Eze was put into that Brentford team he would likely do just as well.

Position

Another reason why West Ham should go for Eze is due to his position. While both players are creative Midfielders, Eze plays in a more central role compared to Benrahma which is what the Hammers need more.

Eze takes up the number ten role which was previously claimed by Manuel Lanzini before his big ACL injury two years ago. Since then, the Argentine has not been the same player and it is looking likely that the 27-year-old will be sold to raise funds this summer. Eze looks to be the perfect replacement and fit for this new Hammers side.

Benrahma, on the other hand, plays as a Left or Right Winger which means he would either be taking the place of Jarrod Bowen or Grady Diangana who is returning from a successful loan spell at West Brom. Both Bowen and Diangana are highly unlikely to be replaced.

Bowen has made a big impact since signing from Hull in January for around £21 million and will not lose his spot in the Scotsman’s side.

Moyes is said to be excited to have Diangana back at the club after scoring 8 goals and providing 6 assists for the Baggies, indicating that the 22-year-old will have a big role in the team next season.

It seems mad to try and sign another expensive Winger when the club already have multiple options, especially as the club are seemingly struggling for funds.

Price

The final and probably the most important reason at the moment is the price. Eze is rumoured to be priced at around £20 million with the possibility of that price being lowered to around £12 million due to QPR needing to raise funds as a result of COVID-19.

Benrahma, however, is said to be priced nearer to £30 million and with Brentford aiming for promotion to the Premier League, that price will only rise unless the Bee’s lose the Playoff Final.

West Ham, however, seems to have a secret weapon when it comes to negotiating a fee for Eze and that secret weapon is Jordan Hugill. The 28-year-old spent the season at QPR on loan, scoring 15 goals for the Hoops in all competitions.

QPR are reportedly keen to keep Hugill and want the Striker included in a deal for Eze. By including Hugill in a deal it would lower the asking price for Eze while also getting the Loanees wages off the books. It is a win-win situation.

With funds low this summer, West Ham needs to be smart with their cash and go for players that they actually need. Eze fits the sort of player that David Moyes is looking for, while also fitting into our current squad. The under-21 England international is also the more obtainable player out of the pair and West Ham should be doing everything in their power to attract the midfielder to the London Stadium.