Expected to be transferred to the Premier League at some point in the last transfer window, Saïd Benrahma had to wait until the very last minute to get his move.
Clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace were all linked with the Algeria international, but it was West Ham who won the race in the end, securing his services on loan with an obligation to buy.
The Hammers have already paid Brentford £4m for the initial deal, and will need to cough up a further £21m at the end of the season, as well as a potential extra £5m in add ons.
Either way, Benrahma is chuffed with the move, finally getting a chance to express himself in England’s top-tier after two successful years in the Championship.
He said so himself to Téléfoot Chaîne in France on Wednesday evening, and also gave a bit of insight as to how the move came about.
He explained: “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.”
The French TV channel also wanted to clarify the reports of him allegedly failing his medical, as stories filtered through in England there had been issues during the checkup.
Benrahma was quick to dismiss them.
He said: “No, 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.”
