West Ham United had to overcome a lot of hurdles to complete the signing of Said Benrahma from Brentford on transfer deadline day. The Algerian signed on an initial loan deal but will sign permanently at the end of this season for £25 million (Guardian).
The deal to bring him to the London Stadium was a difficult one. The Hammers were trying to sign him all summer but negotiations took a while. Once West Ham agreed a fee with Brentford, rumours about Benrahma failing a medical emerged.
That seemed to put the whole deal in doubt, to the horror of Irons supporters.
However, the Algerian spoke about his move to Telefoot Chaine and dismissed all rumours about his medical.
He said: “It was hard at first, throughout the transfer window. After that, West Ham really wanted me.
“It was a long process. There were small details that Brentford and West Ham had to sort out but it got done and I’m super happy. It took time, but it’s over now. I’m 100% at West Ham.”
Asked about the supposed failed medical, he added: “Everything is very good. It was just details that needed sorting out. Some results hadn’t come through yet.
“It was either we waited and I didn’t sign or it gets done quickly. That was it, small details, but my health is very, very good.”
Benrahma starred in the Championship for Brentford last season, scoring 17 goals and providing ten assists.
He is a quality addition to a West Ham squad already high on confidence after recent results. The Irons put four past Wolves before smashing three past Leicester City while keeping a clean sheet in both games.
The run seemed to have come to a disappointing end last weekend. Tottenham put three past David Moyes’ side in the first half with defeat seeming a formality. However, West Ham netted three in the final 12 minutes to save the game.
With Benrahma in the mix, the Algerian will make the Hammers an even more dangerous side. Fans will hope he hits the ground running if he gets a chance against Manchester City this weekend.
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