Saïd Benrahma, the Algerian international forward, recently opened up about the hurdles he faced during his transfer to Olympique Lyonnais (OL). The journey to Lyon proved to be a formidable task, with administrative complexities threatening to keep him at West Ham. The resolution came through the intervention of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), paving the way for the successful recruitment by Les Gones.
In an exclusive interview with Téléfoot, the 28-year-old striker shed light on this significant chapter in his career, emphasizing OL’s unwavering determination as a pivotal factor in sealing the deal.
“Lyon showed real interest in me. There was no hesitation about that. Is the deal going wrong? I was really disappointed. What they did was incredible.
They were in the offices until 3 a.m., 3:30 a.m. They really wanted me! They gave everything, and it was finalized. I’m very happy!” expressed Saïd Benrahma, acknowledging Lyon’s relentless efforts.
Benrahma, who earned an annual sum of 3,271,329 euros (2,126,363,850 FCFA) with West Ham, currently holds a market value of 22 million euros.
The Algerian international wasted no time making an impact upon his arrival at Lyon, having already participated in four matches and found the back of the net once.
The challenges surrounding his transfer to OL only served to strengthen the bond between player and club, with Benrahma expressing his gratitude for Lyon’s extraordinary commitment to securing his signature.
As the Algerian forward continues to acclimate to his new surroundings, the Lyon faithful eagerly anticipate the contributions he will make in the ongoing season.
👀🔥 @YassinNfaoui était avec Saïd Benrahma lors de sa signature à l’OL à la fin du mercato hivernal.
Désormais installé dans l’équipe de Pierre Sage, l’international algérien s’est confié sur son nouveau défi 🗣️⚽️https://t.co/AOyufKdlTK
— Téléfoot (@telefoot_TF1) March 3, 2024
