Lyon have blamed West Ham United after the French side failed to get a move for Said Benrahma completed before the transfer deadline.
West Ham said in a statement that Benrahma’s proposed move was “not concluded ahead of the deadline”, after the 28-year-old travelled to France on Thursday to sign for his new side.
Advertisement
But Lyon hit back with a statement of their own, saying they “questioned” West Ham’s behaviour, adding that the Premier League side “failed to finalise the required administrative procedures despite all the agreements concluded”.
Lyon say they “reserve the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the operation later, and to hold West Ham accountable if necessary”.
“On February 2, Olympique Lyonnais strongly regrets the failure of the transfer of Said Benrahma, for reasons beyond his control, and questions the behaviour of West Ham, who failed to finalise the required administrative procedures despite all the agreements concluded,” Lyon said.
“Olympique Lyonnais was delighted to welcome Said Benrahma to Lyon this Thursday to finalise his transfer from West Ham. The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement, and Olympique Lyonnais had obtained the approval of the DNCG to allow the transfer to take place in a fluid and transparent manner.
“However, in the early evening, when Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on FIFA’s dedicated platform (FIFA TMS), West Ham had never launched any technical procedure on its part, despite OL’s repeated reminders and continuous mutual telephone communication.
“In the absence of this reciprocal action on the part of the English club and following this incomprehensible behaviour, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time.
“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a deep lack of respect on the part of West Ham for the institution and the player.
“The club reserves the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the operation later, and to hold West Ham accountable if necessary.”
GO DEEPER
West Ham and why signing a winger this window has been so complicated
West Ham’s statement, read: “West Ham United can confirm that the Deadline Day deal for Said Benrahma to join Olympique Lyonnais was not concluded ahead of the deadline, with a deal unable to be completed before 11pm (GMT).”
The Athletic has contacted West Ham for their response to Lyon’s statement.
Advertisement
The deal was due to be worth £17million, comprising a loan fee and a buy option. Benrahma now looks to be returning to West Ham, where his contract is due to run until June 2026.
Benrahma has played just 615 minutes in the Premier League for West Ham this season, starting only six matches and registering no goals and one assist in all competitions.
The Algeria international was sent off in his most recent appearance for the club, the 1-0 loss to Bristol City in an FA Cup third-round replay.
Benrahma joined West Ham from Brentford on a permanent deal in 2021, scoring 24 goals in 146 first-team appearances for the club. His West Ham contract expires in 2026.
The versatile forward hit double figures of goals in each of the past two seasons, but did not find the net in 13 West Ham appearances this campaign.
West Ham, meanwhile, played out a 1-1 home draw against Bournemouth on Thursday night.
(Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
