West Ham have been shaken by the news that Said Benrahma has failed his medical and have turned to Joshua King.
Said Benrahma‘s move to West Ham appears to be in doubt following the failure of the second part of his medical. The move can still be resurrected as the club are set to ‘retest’ the player according to TalkSport.
In the meantime, the Hammers have contacted Bournemouth striker Joshua King who could join the club after asking to leave the Cherries. King has only the remainder of the season left on his contract, and a move could be negotiated in January for a free transfer. If Bournemouth wants a fee for the player, they will have to sell him now.
According to Claret and Hugh have reported that the Norweigan striker is ‘travelling to London’ with the intention to complete a deal. The main question at the moment is that the Hammers have not agreed to a fee with Bournemouth for King.
The last reported figures suggested that the Hammers had offered £14 million for King, but Bournemouth were holding out for £17.5 million. As the deadline of the EFL domestic window draws closer, it could see both clubs budge from their valuations.
King would cost significantly less than what has been agreed for Benrahma but would be on much higher wages. These wages are due to his Premier League experience.
The Cherries face losing out on a significant amount of money by keeping hold of the striker and could lower their asking price. West Ham, however, if they are unable to sign Benrahma could go into the rest of the season without back-up in the attacking positions.
What could happen?
Hammers push through Benrahma deal despite failed medical.
King signs instead of Benrahma and the Algerian is set back to Brentford.
The club sign both players which would be the optimal choice.
Or no one signs and the club leave Deadline Day empty-handed.
The deadline for registration ahead of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur has already passed, and neither of them would be able to play.