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West Ham United insiders have responded to a damning theory which has emerged in regard to Said Benrahma and his move to France, with the east Londoners and Lyon having a nightmare over deadline day paperwork exchanges.

Benrahma move collapses on deadline day

West Ham and Lyon agreed on a fee over Benrahma's transfer days before the deadline, as Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth reported.

West Ham could nurture their answer to Jota in 17 y/o sensation

The former Celtic star’s failed move could be a blessing in disguise.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 2, 2024

The hold-up in his move was at first said to be on Benrahma's side, with the Algerian only agreeing on personal terms hours before the cut-off (Dharmesh Sheth). He then travelled to Lyon for a medical with all documents being prepared in a frantic rush to get the winger over the line in time.

The Ligue 1 side, for their part, were rumoured to have filed all the necessary paperwork before 11pm, but an admin error on West Ham's side ultimately thwarted any hopes of Lyon officially confirming Benrahma's signing for a time.

Pierre Sage's side were furious, even releasing a statement in which they lambasted West Ham for their "incomprehensible" behaviour.

"Olympique Lyonnais strongly regret the failure of the transfer of Said Benrahma," wrote the club (via talkSPORT).

"For reasons beyond our control, and question the behaviour of West Ham, who failed to finalise the required administrative procedures despite all the agreements concluded. Olympique Lyonnais were delighted to welcome Said Benrahma to Lyon this Thursday to finalise his transfer from West Ham.

"The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement, and Olympique Lyonnais had obtained the approval of the DNCG to allow the transfer to take place in a fluid and transparent manner.

"However, in the early evening, when Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on FIFA's dedicated platform (FIFA TMS), West Ham had never launched any technical procedure on their part, despite OL's repeated reminders and continuous mutual telephone communication. In the absence of this reciprocal action on the part of the English club and following this incomprehensible behaviour, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time."

After an appeal to FIFA, Lyon were eventually allowed to seal a deal for Benrahma in light of the aforementioned events. The 27-year-old now joins them on a season-long loan, coming after one of the most bizarre last-minute January transfer sagas in recent memory.

There were even suggestions that West Ham purposely delayed the paperwork in order to keep Benrahma at the club.

West Ham insiders deny damning Benrahma theory

As relayed by The Daily Mail, some believed the Hammers' glaring left midfield weakness, as evident in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, motivated David Moyes and co to keep hold of Benrahma and sabotage his move to the continent.

In reply to the damning accusation, West Ham insiders have denied delaying Benrahma's transfer with intent, labelling Lyon's claim as 'wholly inaccurate and potentially damaging', according to the report. In any case, the need for a winger is certainly more in the forefront after also losing Pablo Fornals to Real Betis.

The London Stadium side take on Manchester United this weekend as Moyes chases a fourth-successive campaign of European football, though it is unclear whether the Scotsman will even be in charge for 2024/25.

Arsenal remain in the race to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Leeds agreement close

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, on deadline day the Gunners’ Premier League rivals Leeds United led the race in the battle for the Netherlands international, having overtaken Southampton with their proposal.

However, after failing to do a deal before the 11pm deadline, the Whites continued to work on an offer for the January transfer window, and it is believed that in recent weeks the two clubs came close to an agreement.

The Latest: Arsenal still in the race

However, according to Ornstein for The Athletic, after a period of brilliant form for both PSV and the Dutch national team, Gakpo’s expectations have increased and he no longer wants to join Leeds in January.

The report claims that Real Madrid have been named as a potential destination for the 23-year-old, whilst Manchester United were also considered before they decided to sign Antony from Ajax. However, it is also said that Arsenal are among other clubs who are still being linked with a move for the attacker.

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The Verdict: Huge potential

Gakpo has bagged an incredible nine goals and six assists in nine Eredivisie games already this season. Furthermore, he has netted three goals in PSV’s opening two Europa League matches.

Consequently, the Dutch forward’s combined goals and assists haul of 23 for the season is equal to that of Erling Haaland at Manchester City.

Having been hailed as an ‘enormous talent’ by De Telegraaf journalist Wierd Duk, it is no wonder that the 23-year-old is receiving interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Therefore, if Arsenal can get a deal for the winger over the line, he would no doubt be a brilliant addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad on current form.

Over the past few years, Leeds United have enjoyed a great deal of success in bringing exciting youth prospects into Thorp Arch in the transfer market, before unleashing the most talented of these players in their first-team squad.

Indeed, the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville, Illan Meslier and Pascal Struijk have all made the move to Elland Road in recent seasons, before going on to establish themselves as regulars in Jesse Marsch’s senior side.

However, while there has been a great deal of fanfare regarding the first four of these aforementioned starlets, one player whose development at Elland Road has perhaps been overlooked somewhat is that of 23-year-old defender Struijk.

Upon joining Leeds from the Ajax academy back in January of 2018, The Express ran a report which highlighted the Whites supporters’ unhappiness with the former Netherlands U17 international’s signing – with many stating their belief that Victor Orta should have been focusing his attention on improvements to the first team, rather than signing youth prospects.

Now four-and-a-half-years on from his arrival, you would be hard pressed to find a supporter of the belief that the centre-back’s signing was a bad one by the Spanish director of football, as Struijk is now very much a key part of the Whites’ starting XI.

The defender first started to catch the eye over his 27 Premier League appearances back in 2020/21, a campaign in which the £16.2m-rated talent helped his side keep seven clean sheets and scored one goal, as well as made an average of 1.8 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 3.1 clearances, 41.3 passes, 2.3 long balls and won 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per game.

These metrics not only saw the Dutchman average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94 that season – ranking him as the club’s joint 10th-best performer in the league – but also demonstrate both the 23-year-old’s solidity when defending and his ability to play the ball out from the back.

Furthermore, club captain Liam Cooper quite clearly believes that Struijk has an extremely bright future ahead of him in the game, with the 31-year-old stating of his teammate back in February this year:

“Pascal has absolutely everything to be one of the best centre-backs out there, he really has. He’s unbelievable on the ball, he’s strong, good in the air. I always knew. We all know now. His improvement speaks for itself.”

This season, the youngster’s impressive positional versatility – being able to operate from centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield – has already proven useful for Jesse Marsch, who has deployed the former Ajax starlet on the left of his back four in each of the Whites’ six Premier League fixtures in 2021/22 – as a result of Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas’ respective injuries.

As such, while the cost of Struijk’s signing was never officially released, considering his age and the fact that Ajax appeared more than happy to part with the youngster, it can be reasonably assumed that the transfer did not break the bank for the Whites – leading us to believe that Orta very much hit the jackpot when landing the £7k-per-week sensation back in 2018.

Tottenham Hotspur face stern competition from Chelsea in the race to sign defender Ronnie Edwards from Peterborough United.

The lowdown

Football Insider claim that Spurs have ‘registered their interest’ in the 19-year-old after their scouts delivered some ‘rave reviews’.

The teenage centre-back has made 49 appearances already for the League One club, with the England under-19 international under contract with Peterborough for another three years.

The latest

Spurs could face some competition from the capital, though, with The Peterborough Telegraph reporting that Chelsea recruitment staff watched Edwards in action on Saturday.

The Blues said to be preparing an offer which they hope would see them beat Spurs, Crystal Palace and Southampton to the teenager’s signing.

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The verdict

Spurs should fight hard to win the race for Edwards ahead of their London rivals.

He was part of the Young Lions squad which won the European Under-19 Championships in the summer, playing every minute of the semi-final against Italy and the final against Israel.

One of his team-mates in the tournament in Slovakia was Spurs youngster Alfie Devine, who could perhaps try to convince him to choose the Lilywhites.

Henry Winter of The Times has called Edwards a ‘gem’ who looks destined for a big Premier League move, while Peterborough director Barry Fry has branded him a ‘Rolls Royce’ with ‘unbelievably accurate’ passing.

The 19-year-old may not be able to make the step-up to the top flight just yet, but Peterborough are insistent that they take him back on loan as part of any sale, which could end up working out quite nicely.

After all, Spurs did the same when they signed Pape Matar Sarr from French outfit Metz last summer.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Crystal Palace transfer target Hirving Lozano may be tempted to work under Patrick Vieira in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Lozano linked with Palace

Reports last month claimed that the Eagles are interested in signing the Mexican from Napoli this summer, with the winger thought to be open to a move to the English top flight. The 26-year-old’s new representatives apparently have a positive relationship with Selhurst Park officials, with West Ham also keen on the player.

Lozano, who was dubbed ‘entertaining’ by BBC writer Statman Dave, is under contract with Napoli until 2024 and is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke believes that the Vieira factor could give the Eagles a chance of signing the Mexico international, claiming:

“It would definitely be an advantage to Crystal Palace in trying to sign any player, and I’m sure a lot of players across Europe, in the world, would love the opportunity to work under Patrick Vieira and learn under him as well.

“And that’d be no different for Lozano or anybody else, and that’s also an added bonus for Crystal Palace having that up their sleeve – Patrick Vieira’s reputation helping them maybe attract some transfer targets.”

The Verdict: Offer needed

Lozano has played in European competition over the past five seasons, so a move to Selhurst Park could be an ambitious one due to where Palace are currently at under Vieira.

However, with the player thought to be keen on moving to England, it could be worth testing the water with an official bid for the 26-year-old.

You don’t know until you try, and Lozano could represent a massive coup for the Eagles given his ability to play anywhere across the front three, while also scoring goals wherever he has been during his career for club and country.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring James McAtee to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that, despite the interest of Premier League trio Leeds, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, it is Sheffield United who currently lead the race for the Manchester City midfielder’s signature on a season-long loan.

The report goes on to state that the Championship side are now in talks with both Pep Guardiola’s side and the 19-year-old regarding the terms of his temporary switch to Bramall Lane, with the Blades hoping that the England U20 international will have a similar impact to that of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White – who spent last season on loan at United.

Orta must move

While it is true that Victor Orta has already confirmed the signings of central midfielders Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi this summer, considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee undoubtedly is, in addition to the fact that the 19-year-old is incredibly versatile positionally, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spaniard to launch a late move for the teenager.

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Indeed, the £2.7m-rated talent is one of the brightest starlets currently in City’s academy setup, having scored 14 goals and provided eight assists over 33 fixtures for the U18s, bagged three goals over two outings for the U19s and notched 27 goals and 19 assists over 52 appearances for the U23s – averaging a goal involvement every 90 minutes for the club’s youth sides.

Furthermore, while the vast majority of the £3.1k-per-week midfielder’s appearances have come from attacking midfield, the youngster has also been deployed 31 times in central midfield, eight times as a centre-forward, three times at left midfield, once at right midfield and once on the left wing – proving that he would provide Jesse Marsch with cover in a number of different positions next season.

As such, while it would appear as if Sheffield United are currently in the driving seat for the player who Jordan Elgott dubbed “stunning”, considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee is, it would appear highly advisable for Orta to do everything in his power to land the 19-year-old ahead of the Blades this summer, as the teenager would certainly make a stunning addition to Marsch’s options at Elland Road ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Aston Villa are reportedly one of the clubs that are monitoring the situation regarding Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with it still uncertain as to where the Englishman’s future lies.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have suggested that the 22-year-old is a possible target for Villa this summer, with the Midlands outfit believed to be chasing another midfield addition despite having already brought in young Frenchman, Boubacar Kamara.

The four-cap gem – who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace – could still earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s first-team plans at Stamford Bridge next term, although there has been suggestion that a departure could occur later in the window if regular game time cannot be guaranteed under the German.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now offered his verdict on the player’s potential move to Villa Park in an interview with Football FanCast, stating that: “I think we saw what Conor Gallagher provided for Crystal Palace last year. He was probably one of the best players in the Premier League, for me, on his day. So, he will definitely be a huge signing for Villa if Steven Gerrard was able to get him.”

Huge signing

While there’s a suggestion that the Blues academy graduate won’t come cheap – with reports that the asking price could be around £50m – he’d no doubt be a huge addition to Steven Gerrard’s squad, having shone during his temporary stint at Selhurst Park last term.

The £17k-per-week “monster” – as he was dubbed by Tom Dutton – scored eight goals and provided three assists from his 34 Premier League outings under Patrick Vieira in the 2021/22 campaign, while also averaging 1.1 key passes and winning two tackles per game.

Described as “relentless” by journalist Tom Barclay, the £22.5m-rated gem has shown himself to be a real dynamic, box-to-box presence with an engine the envy of any player in the division, notably ranking in the top 7% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Not just a headless chicken, however, the Epsom-born gem also compares favourably for his quality in possession, ranking in the top 7% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 8% for dribbles completed, showcasing his willingness to impact the game in the final third.

Those straits also seemingly mirror that of a young, gung-ho Gerrard during his playing days at Liverpool, with the current Villa boss believed to be an admirer of the one-time West Bromwich Albion loanee.

In what’s already been an impressive window for the Villans, adding Gallagher to the fold could be the most crucial piece of business of them all.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Leeds United are indeed interested in Club Brugge attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic, who delivered a fresh claim to supporters on Twitter, revealing the club’s interest in the Belgium international.

“Leeds United are very much in the running for Charles De Ketelaere and want to make it happen, despite AC Milan’s interest. Leicester City too. He’s become hot property,” he tweeted alongside an accompanying article.

It remains to be seen how much the 21-year-old would command and if the Jupiler Pro League outfit are open to selling. Transfermarkt currently value De Ketelaere at £27m.

Huge coup

Just as Hay claims, the Club Brugge sensation is hot property across Europe, so if the Yorkshire giants were able to secure his signature, then it would be something of a coup for the club.

The Belgian star is capable of playing in a multitude of positions, all whilst still being able of delivering goals and assists. Last season, for example, De Ketelaere was deployed in seven different roles and produced 18 goals and ten assists across 49 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Although, as per Belgian journalist Sven Claes via The Athletic, his best role may be as a no. 8 or no. 10.

“He is actually an infiltrating No 8 or No 10, but rarely plays in this position,” he said, before later adding: “He is already really phenomenal in handling the ball. His decisions under pressure are often very impressive. He also knows how to use his body well in duels despite not being a block of concrete, and has unexpected movements.”

Leeds have lacked this sort of presence in attacking midfield for quite some time, failing to replace Samu Saiz and then Pablo Hernandez. The arrival of Brenden Aaronson takes a big step in resolving this but adding De Ketelaere too would certainly make Jesse Marsch’s men a real force to be reckoned with.

His playing style has earned plenty of comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne, his fellow countryman and a multiple Premier League winner.

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“De Ketelaere’s style is reminiscent of De Bruyne. He is intelligent and possesses great vision and a superb passing range. His dribbling is similar to De Bruyne’s too. Eventually, he should take his place for Belgium,” De Krant van West-Vlaanderen journalist Frans Buyse told BBC Sport.

Also dubbed a “complete” midfielder by legendary Club Brugge midfielder Gert Verheyen, supporters around Elland Road should be hugely excited by these links to the 21-year-old gem, especially coming from one of the most reliable sources in the game.

AND in other news, Orta could seal Raphinha 2.0 with Leeds bid for £18m talent who’s “got all the tools”…

Manchester City are now set to submit an opening bid to Brighton for Marc Cucurella, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Cucurella impresses in England

Having joined the south coast club last year from La Liga outfit Getafe for £15.4m, the Catalan defender went on to make a fantastic impression in the Premier League, winning his club’s Player of the Year award and catching the attention of City manager Pep Guardiola (The Guardian).

With Oleksandr Zinchenko on the brink of leaving the Etihad Stadium, Benjamin Mendy indefinitely suspended and Joao Cancelo naturally a right-footer, the 51-year-old is seeking a new left-back to join his ranks.

The Latest: Romano’s update on Cucurella

According to Romano, City are now set to make their opening bid for Cucurella, with Guardiola a big fan of the 23-year-old.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Excl: Manchester City are now set to submit opening proposal to Brighton for Marc Cucurella. First bid ready to proceed in advanced talks in the next days.

“Cucurella is still Man City top target as left back, Pep Guardiola really wants him. Work in progress.”

The Verdict: Another playmaker from full-back

With four years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium and a current Transfermarkt valuation of £25.2m, it would likely take a huge offer for Brighton to sell the Spaniard, as they would like to retain him ahead of next season.

However, described by GiveMeSport journalist George Cannon as “an elite-level full-back who is perfect for the Premier League”, it is easy to see why Guardiola is keen on luring him to Manchester.

Having averaged 2.7 tackles (more than anyone in Guardiola’s squad) and 1.2 key passes per game last season (via WhoScored), Cucurella has the attacking and defensive attributes that City are looking for in a full-back. In fact, he ranks very highly amongst all European left-backs for progressive passes and shot creating actions (FBRef), so he could be another Cancelo for Pep.

Therefore, regardless of the transfer fee, this would be a good signing for Guardiola’s side if they can pull it off.

In other news: Noel Whelan reacts to this transfer update on one Man City player

Manchester City have seen numerous players move in and out of the club since Pep Guardiola was appointed as manager back in 2016.

The Citizens have also created a track record when it comes to signing players from other Premier League clubs.

One player that was brought in from another top-flight side that has gone on to be very successful at the Etihad Stadium is Kyle Walker.

Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2017 in a deal worth a reported fee of £50m in total, the right-back has gone on to make a total of 215 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Englishman has scored six goals and delivered 17 assists along the way, winning four Premier League trophies, four Carabao Cup trophies and one FA Cup.

Once Fernandinho’s current contract officially runs out at the end of June, Walker will then be City’s oldest outfield player at the age of 32.

With that in mind, it could be worth Guardiola and the City hierarchy making plans to sign a potential long-term replacement for the England international.

One figure that could fit the bill that has been mentioned with a move to the Manchester club is Chelsea full-back Reece James.

In 123 senior appearances for the west London club, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals and delivered 18 assists in the process.

Back in September 2020, one of the youngster’s goals for his side was described as “sensational” by Gary Lineker on Twitter.

In terms of his goal contributions in the Premier League this season, James found the net five times and supplied nine assists in 26 appearances, which is significantly more than the two assists Walker contributed to his side.

From a defensive point of view, the £49.5m-rated Chelsea star made more tackles, blocks and pressures than the former Spurs defender.

This shows how impressive James is up and down the pitch and why he’d be a solid replacement for Walker in the future.

While the Chelsea youth academy graduate may even be a ready-made replacement for the City star now, it may be difficult for the Manchester club to sign him this summer as his current deal at Stamford Bridge isn’t set to expire until 2025, in addition to the fact that Thomas Tuchel may be reluctant to see one of his assets make a move to a league rival.

In other news: Pep can seal dream Sterling heir as MCFC eye “outrageously talented” £102m-rated star