Reports: West Ham close to sealing Benrahma

Reports have emerged that West Ham have agreed on terms with Brentford winger and summer target Said Benrahma.

West Ham are in need of reinforcements after culling their squad over the summer. Nine players have left the club, including academy graduates Jeremy Ngakia, Josh Cullen and Grady Diangana. When Diangana left, it meant Felipe Anderson was the only recognised left-winger in the squad.

The Brazilian has subsequently left the Hammers to join FC Porto on a season-long loan. This loan deal means that the club currently have no left-wingers in the squad. Pablo Fornals, naturally a central player, has been filling in the position.

Fornals has performed well this season scoring one goal and assisting two in the first four games of the Premier League. Although dropping the Spaniard would seem harsh, it could be argued that competition for spots would benefit the squad.

Said Benrahma has been linked with the club all summer after an impressive 2019/20 season in the Championship. The Algerian scored seventeen goals and assisted a further nine in the League. It has emerged that West Ham could be close to finalising a deal for the 25-year-old.

The report from respected football journalist Nicolò Schira has suggested that Benrahma has agreed on personal terms and a five-year contract. The reports may be premature as West Ham still need to agree on a transfer fee with Brentford.

One other source, however, has suggested that the club may have agreed on a fee with the Bees but only need to sort out add-ons. The add-ons will be based around Benrahma’s performances for the Hammers.

West Ham have had a quiet summer; only Vladimir Coufal has joined the first-team as a completely new player. Tomas Soucek‘s loan was made permanent, and Ossama Ashley joined the club after a successful trial but will play in the academy.