As we publish, the exact outcome of the 'Said Benrahma' transfer saga is still proving difficult to predict, however the major stumbling block that has prevented the deal from getting over the line is on the point of being resolved to the satisfaction of ALL parties. Unfortunately the 'ray of light' that shines bright for fans as they anticipate the arrival of the 'Algerian Messi', will be tempered by the dark cloud about to descend on the little jewel', Manuel Lanzini.
Should all the I's an T's be ticked off successfully and a medical that has been arranged for this afternoon passed, Benrahma will arrive with a high price tag on his head, with the eventual deal costing anything between £17-30 Million depending on various quite ludicrous add ons. Generally following such a large outlay the player is instantly introduced in to the starting line up, but herein lies a dual issue, firstly through design and by fate, David Moyes has hit upon a really effective line up which raises the adage, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it!'.
The second and more salient issue is, what is going to happen to 'Manu' Lanzini now? The incredibly affable Lanzini, by his own admission is a shadow of the player he once was, his massive cruciate and knee injury sustained while training with his beloved Argentine national side put him out of action for nearly a year, the fact that he was rushed back from injury didn't help the 27 year old as he 'broke down' on several occasions.
There is already no starting place allocated to Lanzini in Moyes' plans, and with the arrival of yet more competition it is difficult to see where and when he can get a look in, 'Manu' is far too great a talent to have languishing in the reserves or just warming the bench. Having been handed a new five year deal that doesn't expire until the end of June 2023, with the club having a further two year option for renewal, Lanzini has an 'airtight' contract. When a club has a player of value, it is common practise to hand them a long contract to ensure other clubs cannot take advantage of the player's contract reaching it's final year, that is all well and good if the player doesn't pick up a long term injury, unfortunately both Lanzini and Winston Reid were both given long, and generous contracts and now neither player looks like featuring for the first team any time soon.
Having been valued as much as £40-50 Million before his injury, Manu Lanzini's current value is only £12 Million according to Transfer Market
What happens next for the diminutive midfielder is hard to predict, with Felipe Anderson shipped off to fC Porto there is possibly a berth in the team for him, but where would Benrahma then play? Although injuries and suspensions obviously effect the needs for support players, Manuel Lanzini's preferred position is currently occupied by the very in form Pablo Fornals, a player that David Moyes 'fancies' due to his relentless box to box endurance, the player is like a 'Duracell Bunny' sometimes!
There are plenty of clubs to have shown an interest in acquiring the 'little jewel's' services, however it seems the club are keen to rehabilitate Lanzini in order to possibly prepare him for sale, it is believed that has already been the intention, but as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, prices for 'luxury' players have dropped disproportionately and it was eventually decided that his services would be better off retained in the short term until the market picks up again, after all he is on a long contract.
The issue may well turn out to be if Manuel Lanzini is 'happy' to not be playing, Hammers cannot afford to have a player on big wages, a long contract and not play him, perhaps Chelsea or one of the other 'Tycoon' run clubs can, but for the cash strapped Irons it is an issue that has to be dealt with, if not during the very soon to be January window, then definitely by the next. - Ed
