Worrying news has emerged in France which could prove very costly for West Ham and now the club has responded exclusively to Hammers News.
So much has gone on at West Ham this year, that it already feels like an age has passed since the departures of Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals.
Two of West Ham’s big Hammers heroes, it was sad to see them go.
Even if both had faded from the spotlight under David Moyes last term.
Benrahma, who showed nerves of steel as he scored the penalty in our unforgettable final win over Fiorentina – completed his £12.3m permanent transfer to Lyon just a couple of months back.
The Algerian winger had departed West Ham on loan amid some controversy back in February – after the window had actually closed.
Lyon and West Ham have shared a strange relationship after a feisty Europa League encounter and purchase of Lucas Paqueta.
From kings to paupers of Lyon
The French club slammed West Ham over their conduct in the Benrahma deal at the time.
They were left red-faced when it emerged technical issues were indeed the issue which prevented the paperwork being completed by the deadline.
Benrahma’s move was eventually ratified and West Ham were paid £5m by Lyon for the initial loan deal.
Some West Ham fans were furious when he and Fornals were offloaded without a replacement being brought in, though.
The Hammers arguably paid the price too as their threadbare squad dropped out of the European spots in the second half of the campaign.
Benrahma’s replacement would arrive in the summer with the £26m signing of Crysencio Summerville.
West Ham agreed a total package of £17.3m with Lyon for the Benrahma deal. The French club confirmed those details on its website at the time.
It looked like a fair chunk of money for the Ligue 1 side to spend given their serious financial issues.
West Ham respond to worrying news about Benrahma
Well that situation has taken a turn for the worse this weekend.
And many have voiced concerns West Ham might quite literally pay the price by not getting their money for Benrahma.
Given strict PSR regulations that could have ramifications for West Ham’s own transfer plans and finances.
Now West Ham have responded exclusively to Hammers News on the worrying news about Benrahma after a major development.
Lyon have been handed a severe sanction by the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion – The French football financial watchdog.
The French giants, owned by John Textor, have been hit with a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 as well as a transfer ban and the supervision of their wages.
Lyon’s debt has reportedly risen to nearly £500m and Textor has pledged to sell players from his group of clubs to pay it down.
Transfer fees are usually paid in instalments over the course of a player’s contract.
Benrahma signed a three-year deal with Lyon. That means West Ham are likely still owed around £11m of the overall £17.3m.
Hammers still owed big money by crisis hit Lyon
What we now know as fact is that Lyon do still owe West Ham money.
I spoke to the top source inside the club close to the owners this evening and asked the big Benrahma question.
Asked whether West Ham could be impacted by the situation at Lyon, the spokesman confirmed to Hammers News: “They still owe us money.”
So are Hammers fans were right to be concerned.
If there is no certainty Lyon will be able to pay their debts to the likes of West Ham – when there are plenty of others in the queue – then it could impact that all-important balance sheet.
And that’s the last thing the Hammers need with PSR now so important in dictating transfer activity and feasibility.
The only good news is that it was reported earlier this week Benrahma is one of a host of players who has been immediately transfer listed by Lyon.
West Ham may still be owed as much as £10m
Although with £500m of debt and one window to pay as much down as possible, everyone in their squad will clearly be for sale.
Textor, who also part owns Crystal Palace claimed he is confident the DNCG meeting went well.
But the financial watchdog evidently did not agree.
So as it stands, Lyon will be relegated to Ligue 2 if their financial situation does not improve drastically by the end of the season.
It’s not clear whether any money raise by selling Benrahma would automatically be assigned to pay back West Ham.
Some fans have suggested the Hammers could take Benrahma back with the money Lyon owe – or part of it – written off.
But that makes zero sense for West Ham financially or squad wise with West Ham having moved on by signing the likes of Summerville, who is already competing with Mohammed Kudus for a spot.
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