Lyon have confirmed the signing of Algerian winger Said Benrahma from West Ham United.
The 28-year-old’s move to the Ligue 1 club is believed to have been approved by FIFA and has been finalised 18 hours after the winter transfer window slammed shut in France following initial complications with documentation from West Ham’s end.
After Benrahma completed his medical in France, reports emerged on Thursday night that the deal had collapsed and Lyon released a strong statement criticising the “incomprehensible behaviour” and “profound lack of respect” shown by West Ham following their failure to submit a international transfer certificate before the deadline.
Lyon allegedly requested FIFA to investigate the matter, which has quickly been resolved as “all the documents allowing the validation of the transaction” has been obtained.
Benrahma, who will wear the No.17 shirt, joins Lyon on an initial loan deal worth €6m (£5.1m) that runs until the end of the season, and Lyon have the option to buy the winger in the summer for €14.4m (£12.3m).
Speaking to Lyon’s YouTube channel following his arrival at the club, Benrahma said: “I can’t wait. It’s official now. I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, the debates yesterday. I was waiting [to join Lyon], it was a hassle, but today it is done.
Benrahma departs West Ham after three-and-a-half years at the London Stadium where he made 155 appearances across all competitions, scoring 24 goals and providing 19 assists.
The Algeria international contributed with 12 goals and five assists in 52 games for the Hammers last season, including a memorable strike from the penalty spot in the Europa Conference League final triumph against Fiorentina.
However, Benrahma has struggled for regular game time under manager David Moyes his term, starting just five times in the Premier League.
Benrahma, who began his professional career with Nice, returns to France in search of regular first-team football and joins a Lyon outfit who sit 16th in the Ligue 1 table, just one point above the relegation zone.
It remains to be seen whether Benrahma will be available to make his debut for Lyon in Sunday’s top-flight encounter with Marseille.
