West Ham United are set to pocket a significant financial windfall as Said Benrahma’s move to Saudi Arabia edges closer, according to French news outlet Footmercato. The 29-year-old Algerian winger’s representatives are reportedly nearing an agreement with Neom SC, with the transfer potentially marking the next chapter in Benrahma’s career after a short stint at Lyon. The move to Saudi Arabia is expected to be a major boost for the Hammers, who have a 10% sell-on clause in the deal that saw Benrahma join Lyon from West Ham in the January 2024 transfer window.

Benrahma’s departure to Saudi Arabia comes after he reportedly turned down a move to Premier League rivals Everton earlier in the transfer window, opting instead to return to France. His time at Lyon, though brief, saw him involved in their struggle against relegation from Ligue 1 due to financial mismanagement. Despite these challenges, Benrahma’s performances have caught the attention of Neom SC, and the move to the Saudi Pro League is now looking likely to come to fruition.

For West Ham, Benrahma’s exit will likely bring in a six-figure sum due to the sell-on clause, providing the club with a much-needed financial boost. While Benrahma’s time at West Ham was marked by flashes of brilliance, including a vital penalty in the 2023 Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina, his relationship with the club seemed to have soured in recent months. Despite his contribution to the club’s success in European competition, West Ham appears ready to move on from the Algerian, who will leave a mixed legacy in East London.

The timing of Benrahma’s departure is particularly significant for West Ham, as manager Graham Potter looks to bolster his squad during a crucial period. The Hammers have been active in the transfer market, with reports indicating that Potter’s recruitment team is working to secure a new defender, deep-lying midfielder, and striker before the transfer window closes on February 3rd. Although West Ham had their £57 million offer for Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán rejected, the funds from Benrahma’s transfer could help the club meet some of their pressing needs in the final days of the window.

In addition to the potential financial windfall, the looming departure of Benrahma may have a domino effect on the club’s broader transfer strategy. West Ham’s pursuit of reinforcements is vital as they continue to compete on multiple fronts, and Benrahma’s sale could provide the necessary resources for them to make critical acquisitions in key areas of the pitch. The final weeks of the transfer window will be busy ones for West Ham, and the club’s supporters will be hoping that the funds from Benrahma’s move can help secure some much-needed additions to the squad.

With the financial benefits of Benrahma’s transfer and the ongoing search for reinforcements, West Ham United will be keeping a close eye on the final few days of the January transfer window, as Graham Potter looks to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season. The club’s fans will be eagerly anticipating the potential new signings, while also reflecting on Benrahma’s impact during his time in East London.