Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that West Ham did well to seal a deal for Brentford winger Said Benrahma before the transfer window shut yesterday.
The Guardian journalist claims he knew of at least two Champions League teams who were interested in signing the Algerian international if he had remained with the Bees until January:
Top deal for West Ham.
Saïd Benrahma was on the list of two Champions League clubs for January 2021 transfer window… and he turned down an approach from Italy on August.#CFC never been close to sign him last summer.
Difficult deal… but now done and here-we-go for #WHUFC ?— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 16, 2020
As it turned out, the Hammers managed to sign Benrahma on an initial loan deal with the move being made permanent if certain conditions are met. The transfer was reportedly renegotiated at the last minute following some issues in the player’s medical.
It meant the move was in doubt until the very last moment but West Ham finally made the deal official prior to the window closing yesterday evening. As well as the medical, there was an issue relating to a loyalty payment, in addition to reports that manager David Moyes was keen on signing Bournemouth’s Josh King instead, but all those issues have now been resolved.
