The world and its wife knows West Ham need to sign a striker in January and the Said Benrahma situation may help the Hammers do just that.
With Niclas Fullkrug proving a disastrous signing, West Ham simply must – by hook or by crook – sign a new forward in January.
Michail Antonio has one goal in 11 games this season and is out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Ageing Danny Ings’ face simply doesn’t fit under Julen Lopetegui and his deal also expires in the summer.
That leaves West Ham with 31-year-old, injury-prone Fullkrug.
Or does it?
It was confirmed by a top source inside the club that Fullkrug is unsettled at West Ham and may leave in January.
The German has made just three unconvincing cameo sub appearances in the Premier League thus far.
And with injury potentially ruling him out until the new year, there is a possibility Fullkrug will never start a league game for the Hammers if he does depart.
Clear for all to see then that West Ham probably need at least two new strikers, let alone one.
But they may get away with signing one in January to get through to the end of the season.
Big money is not readily available after a £155m summer splurge.
Upside to Benrahma situation could see West Ham sign striker
Any cash raised through sales will help in that regard.
Although West Ham will be targeting loan deals with options or obligations to buy.
With that in mind there may be a major upside to the Said Benrahma situation which could see West Ham sign a striker target after a billionaire’s pledge.
West Ham responded to worrying news about Benrahma cash still owed by Lyon.
More than £10m of the overall £17.3m package is still owed to the Hammers by the crisis-stricken French club.
Lyon have been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 and must significantly pay down their near-£500m debt by the end of the season.
It means every player, including Benrahma, is effectively up for sale. But not just at Lyon.
Path cleared for Hammers to sign Jesus after billionaire’s pledge
And that’s where this situation could have a big pay-off for West Ham.
Lyon owner John Textor also has a stake in Palace and owns Brazilian club Botafogo.
American billionaire Textor, who is said to be worth over £3bn, has explained his club ownership model will help manage the debt as he can sell his stake in Palace, or offload Botafogo players.
And that’s where West Ham could benefit massively.
Earlier this month it was reported that the Hammers are eyeing a move for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus in January.
It has been claimed 23-year-old Brazil international Jesus could join the Hammers in a deal which might even see Lucas Paqueta traded to Botafogo.
Clauses would be built in around the outcome of the case against Paqueta – which should be heard in March.
Jesus only joined Botafogo earlier this year after a spell in Saudi Arabia. But Textor is keen to make money on him as soon as possible and an initial loan with obligation or option deal with West Ham has been mooted.
The developing situation with Lyon’s financial issues makes a Hammers move for Jesus even more likely.
And potentially cheaper too.
West Ham still owe Lyon some money for £51m record signing Paqueta.
So most of the outstanding Benrahma balance will be offset against that.
In reverse the Hammers could use the situation to their own advantage when it comes to striking a deal for Jesus, who has scored six goals and laid on one assist in 14 starts this season.
Most certainly one to watch given West Ham technical director Tim Steidten’s ties to Brazil.
Related Posts
