To say that Saïd Benrahma had a stressful end to the transfer window would be an understatement, as the winger nearly saw his loan from West Ham United to Lyon collapse at the last minute.
In fact, there were many reports stating it had, but the Ligue 1 side appealed and managed to be granted the move the following day as everyone agreed it should still go through despite a computer glitch down the Hammers’ end.
The West Ham loanee was presented to the press on Friday ahead of his first game against Montpellier at the weekend, where was asked about his transfer, relayed by Foot Mercato.
He said: “The signing was complicated, I took a few days to recover. I was very well received. My mum as well was really well received. Before signing, I explained to her how talks were going. She pushed me to sign for Lyon.
“They’re a big club. When Lyon call you, you can’t refuse. We spoke a lot with David Friio and Pierre Sage. It’s the project I needed. It’s the choice of my heart. I had other offers, but I wanted to go to Lyon. I made the right choice. I was contacted in early December.”
Benrahma is now back in France, where he was first spotted by English clubs during his time at OGC Nice, leading to him going to Brentford.
He was then bought by West Ham after excelling with the Bees, and became an important part of David Moyes’ plans, especially last season.
However, this campaign saw his time on the pitch greatly reduced, meaning a move in January was allowed, as Lyon took full advantage of the opportunity, agreeing on a paid loan with an option to buy.
