Several media sources have reported that Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals are considering leaving West Ham United.
Sources in Turkey claim that both Lyon and Fenerbahce are after the former, while sources in Spain claim that Sevilla is impressed by the latter. In January, one of them might be leaving the London Stadium. Given that Takvim says he will make a decision in a week between joining Lyon or Fenerbahce, or staying at West Ham, Benrahma is possibly the player to watch out for.
For the remainder of the season, both teams would like to have him on loan, with Fenerbahce in particular being willing to attach a buyout option.
The Algerian international has never participated in the Turkish Super Lig; nevertheless, a transfer to Lyon would enable him to return to the top division of French football, having most recently played for Angers on loan from Nice during the end of the 2015–16 campaign. Since October 2020, he has played for West Ham, where he has made over 150 appearances, 19 of which have come this season.
Fornals has spent an additional year with West Ham. He just achieved the milestone of 200 club appearances, from which
However, in his 20 games this season, he has not assisted on any goals.
Sevilla desires Fornals’ return to Spain.
But according to Estadio Deportivo, Sevilla, the winners of the Europa League, are “hot, hot, hot” for his possible January comeback to La Liga. Sevilla wants to sign Fornals back to the top flight of Spain, where he played for Villarreal and Malaga before. Sevilla is once again worried about being relegated.
If Fornals’ contract expires in 2024, they might be able to sign him at a reduced price, but according to certain sources, West Ham has extended it until 2025 in order to be safe.
In any event, teams are lining up to sign the six-cap Spain international and bring him back to his native country the next season. Since Benrahma is still under contract with the Hammers through 2026, other teams may believe there is room for a loan arrangement.
David Moyes would have fewer alternatives for attacking midfield if West Ham allowed Benrahma and Fornals to leave in the same window, which is questionable, particularly in January.
He would still have access to players like Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Maxwel Cornet, and Lucas Paqueta, though.
A second half of the season that will once again see West Ham participate in a UEFA competition (the Europa League) may see them attempt to recruit another winger to bolster their depth.
