Saïd Benrahma, the Algerian international, has finally found himself donning the Olympique Lyonnais jersey. The culmination of this high-stakes transfer saga brought relief to both the player and the club, and Benrahma took the time to share his account of the rollercoaster hours leading up to the deal.
The confirmation of Benrahma’s move to Les Gones came after a prolonged wait for FIFA’s decision, eventually resulting in a significant loan deal worth £5.1 million (approximately €6 million).
The agreement includes a purchase option of £12.3 million (approximately €14.4 million) and a 10% profit-sharing clause in the event of a potential transfer, as outlined in the official Lyon press release.
The narrative took an unexpected turn on Friday as West Ham encountered electronic issues that initially jeopardized the completion of the transfer. However, John Textor and his team persevered, securing the deal for the attacking midfielder.
Despite the uncertainties, Benrahma, in his first interview with OLTV, expressed unwavering confidence in the process.
“I believed in it. For me, everything was signed,” Benrahma said, recalling the intensity of the last-minute negotiations.
He emphasized his trust in Lyon’s commitment and the club’s immediate appeal to him.
The messages of support from Lyon supporters on social media played a significant role in reassuring him during this anxious period.
The 28-year-old revealed, “I had a welcome that I didn’t expect. I was apprehensive but it’s nice. That the transfer happened, I’m super happy.”
Benrahma acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but praised Lyon for their genuine interest and the supportive atmosphere created by figures like David Friio, the coach, and President John Textor.
Expressing relief upon the official confirmation of the transfer, Benrahma is now eager to shift his focus to the field.
Although unavailable for the upcoming clash against Marseille, he targets a potential appearance against Lille in the Coupe de France next Wednesday, signaling his eagerness to contribute to Lyon’s upcoming challenges.
The dramatic narrative surrounding Saïd Benrahma’s arrival at Olympique Lyonnais adds an intriguing chapter to the football world, leaving fans anticipating the impact he will bring to the club.
