West Ham fans were hopeful of the announcement of new signing Said Benrahma today but could be about to face disappointment.
Reports in the Mirror are suggesting that the Algerian winger, Said Benrahma, has failed his West Ham medical, putting the transfer in jeopardy. The 25-year-old completed the first part of his medical yesterday and was set to finish the second part today.
The move has dragged on for over a week, and plenty of hurdles have arisen during the Hammers pursuit off the flamboyant winger. The club agreed to a deal with Brentford, but faced challenges then Benrahma fell out with the Bees over a clause in his contract.
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The winger was due a loyalty payment from the club as he never ‘asked to leave’, that problem was then resolved, and a move agreed to. It has been suggested that the move ‘should’ be announced today and that there were only minor things to be agreed on between West Ham and the player, according to reliable ITK ExWHUemployee.
The transfer could still go through despite the failure of a medical; however, eyebrows have been raised at the news. Benrahma played for his National side on Tuesday evening and did seem to come through unscathed.
The Hammers are in need of reinforcements after seeing nine of their players leave the club over the past few months. Among the exits at the Hammers were left-wingers Felipe Anderson (FC Porto loan) and Grady Diangana (West Brom £18 million) meaning Benrahma would become the only left-winger at the club.
Pablo Fornals has been playing in the left-wing position to cover for the lack of a natural left-winger. The Spaniard is naturally a central player but has adapted well top playing on the left in recent weeks.
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**UPDATE**
The club are set to ‘retest’ Benrahma according to Jim White from TalkSport. The player passed the first part of his medical and all parties want to get the deal finalised.
As per my @talkSPORT colleague @JimWhite #WHUFC are going to retest Said Benrahma after he passed his first medical. Still a massive desire on all sides to get the deal done. Extraordinary turn of events. Under 5 hours until the window closes.
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) October 16, 2020
**UPDATE 2.0**
David Moyes has put another twist in the Benrahma sage. In his press conference, the Scottish manager said: “He hasn’t failed his medical and we are still hoping a deal can get done.”
At the moment it seems no one really knows what the outcome will be at the end of the deadline which is in less than three hours.
There are also reports of the club trying re-negotiate the deal for the Algerian. It is now believed the club are trying to get Brentford to agree on a loan deal with an obligation to buy Benrahma at the end of the season.
Joshua King is also reportedly on his way to London to try and force a move to the Hammers. No fee has been agreed for the striker as of yet, but he could be signed if the Benrahma deal completely breaks down.
There is also the potential of both players ending the day holding up the claret and blue shirt. Although, there is also the chance of no one joining the club today.
Benrahma was one of the best players in the Championship last season. Fans hoped he would be able to recreate the magic that Dimitri Payet once brought to the East London club.