Here is a twist that Olympique Lyonnais would have done well without, at the heart of an already eventful season.
The current sixteenth in Ligue 1 was about to complete the arrival of West Ham striker Saïd Benrahma.
But, in a press release published shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday, he announced that the transfer had not been completed.
However, all the details were worked out.
The Algerian winger's medical examination was conclusive, his contract was signed.
This transaction was to be carried out in the form of a loan of 5 million euros, accompanied by a purchase option of 15 million.
i️ The reasons for the failure of Saïd Benrahma's transfer.
All the information ⤵️
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) February 2, 2024
Lyon had obtained the approval of the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG), and entered the administrative data on its side.
But the club declared that “West Ham had never launched the slightest technical procedure on its part, despite repeated reminders from OL and continuous mutual telephone communication”.
The transfer of the 28-year-old player could therefore not be completed before the transfer window closed on Thursday at 11:59 p.m.
“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards the Institution and the player,” added the club.
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According to L'Équipe, the player would be furious, and his family, present on site, confused.
Photos of the winger with his new outfit had already been taken, and the jerseys already flocked.
Lyon reserves “the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the operation subsequently, and to hold West Ham responsible if necessary,” he said in his press release.
John Textor's club had recorded the arrival of Belgian international Orel Mangala earlier in the day.
Saïd Benrahma was supposed to complete the Lyon transfer window, and revitalize an often apathetic attack this season.