West Ham has agreed to a loan deal with Lyon for the winger Said Benrahma, extending until the conclusion of the season.
Pending approval, the agreement would entail an obligation to purchase for £15m, leaving the final decision in the hands of the 28-year-old Algerian.
Having joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020, Benrahma’s existing contract extends until 2026.
Despite his pivotal role, especially in starting last season’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina and contributing the opening goal in West Ham’s significant 2-1 triumph, his performance has been inconsistent over the three years with the Hammers.
This season, he has yet to score in 22 appearances and faced a red card in the FA Cup replay defeat against Bristol City on January 16.
Controversially omitted from Algeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, he now finds himself at the center of a decision-making process.
In a parallel development, West Ham has turned down an initial bid from Real Betis for Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals.
A subsequent offer is anticipated, as West Ham is open to allowing Fornals to depart, considering his limited participation with just four Premier League starts this season.