Hammers get great news as four big summer window deals are now in play for West Ham as club gets a major transfer green light.
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten and new head coach Julen Lopetegui will be delighted by a significant development today.
The Hammers duo are looking to make another six or seven signings after the arrivals of Wes Foderingham and Luis Guilherme.
But they are very much working with one arm tied behind their backs given West Ham’s budget.
It was reported earlier this week that West Ham have a current budget of just £51.5m.
All money raised from player sales will boost that paltry kitty, though.
So getting some money in for players not part of Lopetegui’s plans is vital.
Financial D-day brings good news for West Ham
The likes of West Ham captain Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Flynn Downes are expected to be sold.
But there has been some doubt about what the future holds for Said Benrahma.
There have been conflicting reports over whether Lyon were going to take up the option to buy Benrahma following his loan spell.
The French club have been waiting to hear whether they will be allowed to make signings.
Today was financial D-day for Lyon.
Lyon’s meeting at the DNCG took place on Thursday.
Now four big deals now in play for West Ham as the French club gets a major transfer green light.
Four big deals now in play for West Ham after green light
Lyon have been cleared to make signings but must also raise around £85m in player sales too.
There has been embarrassingly inaccurate reporting of the fee involved between West Ham and Lyon for Benrahma, ranging from £6-16m.
But there should be no confusion whatsoever over the amount.
Because Lyon confirmed exactly what they would be paying when Benrahma signed for them on loan.
“This paid loan, amounting to £5.1 million (approximately €6 million), comes with a purchase option of £12.3 million (approximately €14.4 million) and a 10% interest in the capital gain in the event of a potential future transfer,” Lyon confirmed on their official website when signing the Algerian from West Ham.
So the Hammers will be receiving £12.3m in addition to the original £5.1m loan fee to add to their summer transfer kitty if Lyon now pull the trigger on the move after getting their all-clear to do deals.
The development also means West Ham could now get their hands on three top Lyon targets they have enquired about signing.
Lyon can now sign Benrahma but will sell trio of Hammers targets
West Ham reportedly want Irish centre-back Jake O’Brien, midfielder Maxence Caqueret and attacker Rayan Cherki.
Steidten has made the club’s interest in all three known to Lyon.
Now L’Équipe claim 23-year-old ex Palace academy defender O’Brien could be sold in their bid to raise funds.
It states O’Brien could be set for the Premier League.
And GFFN claims the other two players Lyon are also looking to raise funds by selling are Caqueret, 24, and 20-year-old Cherki.
That report also states West Ham’s interest in the stars.
West Ham are looking to sign two new centre-backs, a central midfielder, a wide left forward and a striker.
Those three Lyon players not only tick those boxes but also perfectly fit the Red Bull-esque recruitment model and age range Steidten is implementing at West Ham.
Cherki may be the most difficult as he is also wanted by PSG.
But O’Brien could be the perfect fit for the Hammers as Lopetegui overhauls a porous backline which shipped 74 Premier League goals last season.