So what does Julen Lopetegui have planned for Said Benrahma, when he takes over at West Ham United?
Julen Lopetegui will replace David Moyes as the new West Ham manager imminently it seems and as things stand, the future of Said Benrahma remains very much up in the air.
The Algeria international left the Hammers to join Lyon on loan in the January transfer window, and he took a very clear and obvious swipe at Moyes after his exit.
Lopetegui, who has grand transfers plans, will be eyeing up who he wants to sign and who he wants sell this summer.
According to Lyon’s official website, the Ligue 1 outfit have an option to buy the 28-year-old winger for around £12.3 million.
However, could a new manager coming into the London Stadium give Benrahma renewed hope that his future may well still lie in East London?
That question has been cleared up now…
What Julen Lopetegui has planned for Said Benrahma
The former Brentford attacker bagged 24 goals and 20 assists in 155 games for the Hammers (Transfermarkt).
He was never a good fit under Moyes – a manager who insists on defensive discipline from his wingers and doesn’t allow any form of creative expression.
It’s no surprise that Benrahma has flourished out in France with Lyon under the more progressive, forward-thinking leadership of Pierre Sage. He has three goals and three assists to his name in just 13 games so far.
But is there still an outside chance that he could be given a second bite of the cherry with West Ham?
The Evening Standard have provided an update on whether Lopetegui could try to keep Benrahma when he returns from his loan spell with Lyon:
“The arrival of Lopetegui is not expected to change plans for Said Benrahma and Thilo Kehrer to make their January loan exits permanent.”
That’s the correct decision in my opinion, but let’s be honest here, even if the Spaniard wanted to keep Benrahma, it may well be taken out of his hands.
Lyon can of course exercise their option to buy him for just over £12 million this summer, as mentioned earlier.
I liked Benny, and he was a mercurial talent, but he faded badly over the past year or two. He hasn’t got the pace or power needed to succeed in the Premier League.
And Julen Lopetegui will be spot on to not even attempt to keep Said Benrahma at West Ham, whenever he takes over at the London Stadium.
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