Benrahma's Anxious Signing Concludes Lyon's Record Market
The Algerian winger returns to Ligue 1 from West Ham. His arrival seemed to collapse due to not entering on time, but FIFA intervened giving the green light.
"Good things come to those who wait." With that phrase, Olympique Lyonnais introduced their latest signing of this winter transfer window, a Saïd Benrahma whose arrival seemed to collapse at times.
Both Lyon and their fans had to wait until Friday afternoon to see the operation confirmed with West Ham after it couldn't be finalized in the final moments of the transfer deadline.
Lyon accused West Ham of showing a "profound lack of respect" and stated that the English club did not attempt to carry out the necessary steps in FIFA's transfer system for the Benrahma deal to go through on Thursday before the deadline.
In a statement, Lyon said, "Following this incomprehensible behavior, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time."
Faced with this situation, Lyon appealed to FIFA, and the world football governing body ruled in their favor, and finally, the Algerian winger was able to be registered as a new player for the French club.
The player arrives on loan until the end of the season for 5 million euros, according to Fabrizio Romano. The French club retains an option to buy for 12 million euros.
With Benrahma's arrival, Lyon concludes a record winter transfer window. With seven signings, they have spent a total of 55 million euros, more than any other team in the world. It remains to be seen if this investment helps them improve their difficult league situation, as they currently sit in 16th place in the Ligue 1 table with 16 points after 19 matchdays.