West Ham’s deal for Brentford’s Algerian winger, Said Benrahma, appears to be in danger of collapsing according to multiple reports.
It has been reported in the Mirror and by the Guardian that West Ham could face further disappointment in the transfer market. The club had thought to of agreed a deal with Bretford to sign their star winger, Said Benrahma.
The Hammers have been reported to of agreed a £17 million deal, including £8 million worth of add-ons, with the Bees. The club had booked in a medical on Wednesday for Benrahma for when he returns from international duty with Algeria.
The deal seemed to be all but complete except for some personal terms and the medical to be finalised. Now it seems the transfer of the player is under threat; one theory is that Aston Villa have made a late move and outbid the Hammers.
Brentford may have accepted this bid from the Midlands side and pulled out of negotiations with West Ham. It is believed that the player would prefer to remain in the capital. The other theory is that the wages Benrahma wants are too high for the Hammers.
Though this theory should be less of a concern, high-earners such as Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez as well as many others have left the club, meaning there is plenty of wages in the budget for the club to offer Benrahma.
The final theory is that David Moyes has stepped in and has made his choice clear. Moyes is rumoured to prefer a move for AFC Bournemouth’s striker Joshua King. The Norweigan can play in multiple roles, has Premier League experience and could be cheaper than Benrahma.
These, of course, are just theories at the moment, what is clear is that there has been a hiccup in the deal, which has put it in doubt. West Ham have had a miserable summer trying to bring in new players. Only Vladimir Coufal is a new first-team player from the squad that finished sixteenth last season.
The theories could all be wrong and can all change. This means that the deal is not completely off as of yet. West Ham remains in talks to sign the player and think the will get a deal completed. Some fans are sure to be wishing for a day when West Ham don’t cause stress.