Paul Brown shared his thoughts on Said Benrahma’s future at West Ham United, acknowledging that the club would only consider letting him leave in January if they secure a replacement.
The Algerian winger has primarily served as a playmaker this season, starting only four Premier League games, recording no goals, and two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.
While it appears probable that the 28-year-old might depart the London Stadium in the upcoming January window, independent journalist Brown expresses his desire for a transfer. However, he believes David Moyes won’t sanction his exit without securing a replacement.
As per Give Me Sport (30 December), Brown stated, “I think it’s clear that Benrahma will find it difficult to start many games for West Ham by the end of the season. He had a spell recently when he seemed to have secured a first-team place.”
“But since then, the club has signed new players, and I think the three strikers they are using at the moment, Bowen, Kudus, and Paqueta, in whatever role, are all ahead of him.”
“I can understand why he might want to leave. I don’t think West Ham would want to weaken their squad in January. So if he were to leave, I think the only way they would allow him to leave is if they had someone to come in and take that place.”
“I have the feeling that he is very keen to leave, so I think it’s a case of ‘keeping an eye on things’ with him.”
With West Ham competing on multiple fronts, it would be unwise for them to leave themselves without options if Benrahma departs in January. While retaining him is uncertain, the Hammers remain in contention for European places and have qualified for the Europa League knockout stages.
Considering the ongoing FA Cup campaign, West Ham may face challenges in multiple competitions in the coming months. A robust squad is essential for such demands, and Benrahma could contribute significantly.
Ideally, keeping the Algerian at East London until the season’s end seems prudent, though persuading him that it aligns with his career’s best interests may be necessary.