As we headed towards the end of the transfer window, West Ham were scrambling around for midfielders.
They eventually signed Tomáš Souček from Slavia Prague on loan, but one of their other options to help consolidate the defensive aspect of their game was Steven Nzonzi.
The defensive midfielder was, at the time, on loan from AS Roma with Galatasaray, but there was an opening to sign him for the last six months of the season, which West Ham enquired about.
Talks were held, but the Hammers were impeded by Rennes in Ligue 1, who swooped in and snatched him from under their nose, forcing them to look elsewhere.
Now in France and having signed his contract, Nzonzi sat down for his press unveiling on Monday, where he, alongside Olivier Létang, the club’s president, explained the reasons for choosing the French club over David Moyes’ side.
He said, relayed by Foot Mercato: “I immediately liked the challenge. It’s a club that gives off the image of evolving positively. I immediately liked it, I wanted to return to my country, discover Ligue 1. There were a number of conditions that meant I accepted it straight away.
“I talked with the president, which went really well. All that means I am here today, and I’m very happy”.
Létang also joined in, explaining they’ve known about Nzonzi for ‘a long time’, but it was previously ‘too soon’ to do a deal.
This time, however, ‘the planets aligned’, and both parties found they wanted to work with each other, despite the 31-year-old having ‘many other offers’, but once they talked more, ‘he only wanted to join Rennes’.
The move ended up being a free loan, with no fee paid to Roma, with the option of the deal being extended by an extra year if the club finishes in Ligue 1’s top three.
They currently sit third in the table, three points behind Marseille and six in front of Lille.
