- Via Graeme Bailey
HITC sources can confirm that French side Lyon and West Ham United have agreed a deal for Said Benrahma.
Said Benrahma, who has been at West Ham United since 2021, now looks set to depart the London Stadium and move to Ligue 1.
Lyon are now set to see off rival interest from Marseille as well as a handful of Premier League suitors to land the 28-year-old – who is still finalising terms with the French giants.
West Ham are continuing talks for Al-Ittihad winger Jota as well as Nordsjaelland’s Ibrahim Osman but whether they can get these deals done in time remains to be seen.
Benrahma deal
HITC had reported that talks were underway, this is despite Sean Dyche’s Everton being interested in the 28-year-old, and now a deal is on the verge of being completed.
The deal is an initial loan worth around £4 million with an option being available to make the deal permanent at the end of the season which will cost around £11 million.
He has played just 615 minutes in the league for West Ham this season, starting only six matches and providing zero goals and one assist in all competitions in 2023-24.
Benrahma’s contract at the Hammers expires in 2026 but it now looks as if the Algerian will be leaving West Ham.
Lyon’s struggles
The French side are arguably one of the biggest sides in Ligue 1 but this season has been a huge struggle for Pierre Sage’s side.
Lyon currently sit 16th in Ligue 1, one point clear of the relegation zone, occupying the league’s relegation play-off spot.
They have lost a staggering 11 games out of 19 in the league this campaign and the hope is that Benrahma could be the spark they need to escape from relegation trouble.
As well as the acquisition of Benrahma, Lyon are also closing in on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Orel Mangala for £30 million.
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