West Ham United finally pulled off a protracted deal on domestic transfer deadline day.
The Hammers managed to get Said Benrahma into the club from Brentford amid a flurry of late panic over an allegedly failed medical.
There had been numerous clubs linked with the winger, including Arsenal and Chelsea, throughout the summer but it was the Irons who prevailed.
They ultimately took him on loan with an obligation to buy, paying £4m up front and committing to a £21m fee at the end of the season, per Sport Witness.
Benrahma has now spoken out about the move, insisting that he is delighted to have made the switch, and he is now looking forward to proving himself in the Premier League after impressing in the Championship.
Speaking to Telefoot, via Sport Witness, he said: “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.”
Reports on the day suggested that he had completely failed his medical, potentially placing the move in jeopardy.
But he has now clarified those reports, insisting that they are far from the truth.
He added: “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.”
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
A fit and motivated Benrahma could be a game-changer for the Hammers.
He lit up the Championship last term, scoring 17 goals and laying on nine assists in 43 appearances.
Those performances inspired Brentford to the Championship play-off final where they ultimately lost to Fulham at Wembley.
Now he will be coming into a Hammers team full of confidence and belief after a remarkable set of results.
They have beaten both Leicester and Wolves handily and also came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
He could make his debut against Manchester City this weekend, and one feels that the Irons will have no fear.
If Benrahma is added to an already excellent team, they won’t need to.