West Ham have confirmed the departures of winger Said Benrahma and attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals, after both players’ moves almost collapsed on transfer deadline day.
Benrahma was set to join Lyon on loan until the end of the season on Thursday, with the French side then having an obligation to purchase the Algerian for a reported fee of €12million (£10.2m).
However, that deal appeared to be dead when Lyon accused West Ham of failing to file the necessary paperwork before Thursday’s transfer deadline, saying the Hammers showed “a lack of respect”.
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David Moyes admitted West Ham had experienced “problems” in filing the requisite paperwork on Friday, while Lyon pledged to seek FIFA’s approval to advance with the deal.
That was granted later on Friday, with the clubs able to formally confirm the move.
Benrahma joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020, going on to make 155 appearances and score 24 goals for the Irons, including a penalty in last season’s Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentina.
West Ham United can confirm Saïd Benrahma has joined Olympique Lyonnais on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 2, 2024
It was a similar story for Fornals, whose €8m (£6.8m) move to Real Betis was not confirmed before the window closed at 11pm UK time on Thursday.
However, Moyes suggested that transfer might receive belated approval on Friday, and the clubs were later able to make the move official.
Fornals joined West Ham from Villarreal in 2019 and played 203 games for the club, with his 23 goals for the Irons including a strike against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.
However, Fornals was allowed to leave on a permanent basis after being limited to just four Premier League starts in 2023-24, and he will be reunited with former Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini in Seville.
Gracias, Pablito ???? pic.twitter.com/Nj5LCOpXQ9
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 2, 2024
