JUST IN: Player who forced a move out of London Stadium claiming West Ham not good enough now regretting action after “struggling with form” at recent Club and now a Benchwarmer.
After departing West Ham in the summer, Said Benrahma shared an emotional farewell message to the club’s fans. French side Lyon agreed to a £12 million deal for the Algerian winger during the transfer window (BBC).
Many West Ham supporters were content with the move, as Benrahma had struggled in his last six months at the club. Despite flashes of brilliance, the 29-year-old’s overall impact was inconsistent. One of his standout moments was the penalty he scored in the Europa Conference League final, which leveled the score before Jarrod Bowen secured the victory for the Hammers.
However, it’s fair to say that Benrahma never fully realized his potential in a West Ham shirt. Had he stayed, he might have been given more creative freedom under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
**Benrahma’s Thoughts After Leaving West Ham**
Since his permanent move to Lyon, Benrahma has made just two appearances and hasn’t registered a goal or an assist. He was even left out of the squad for Lyon’s recent match against Marseille. According to *L’Equipe*, Benrahma is reportedly unhappy with his limited playing time and feels he may have “downgraded” by leaving West Ham for Lyon.
This revelation is quite surprising. Both West Ham and Lyon have won just one of their first five league matches this season, sitting in similar positions in their respective tables. In hindsight, Benrahma’s move to Lyon might not have been the best decision.
**Benrahma’s Untapped Potential at West Ham**
During his time at West Ham, Benrahma never seemed to thrive under David Moyes, as the two were never an ideal fit. The winger could have flourished under a manager who allowed more creative freedom. By the end of his stint with the Hammers, he was a shadow of the player who once excited fans during his Brentford days.
Benrahma appears to be struggling in France as well, and there are reports suggesting he may regret leaving the London Stadium. It’s interesting to wonder if he would have had more success under Lopetegui. But a return to West Ham seems highly unlikely at this point.