Forum | General Discussion

On the face of it, Said Benrahma's transfer from Brentford to West Ham should have been quite straight forward, or at least as straight forward as any transfer deal can be that is, however the deal hit the buffers and was postponed until certain 'details' could be ironed out!

We have learned the reason why the deal has become so protracted, quite simply it is all about money, and for once it s not West Ham United's fault! The two clubs have agreed with an amicable fee, and wages aren't seen to be a problem, so what money problem has put the deal in jeopardy?

A Loyalty bonus! Put simply, according to his contract Benrahma is entitled to a loyalty bonus for NOT having asked for a move to another club, the contract clearly states that if Brentford push for the player to be sold then he is entitled to a bonus for not being the instigator.

Mezut Ozil has just picked up a £7 Million bonus from Arsenal for the very same reason, and such clauses are common place nowadays. When Benrahma returns from International duty it is assumed that he will sit down with the Brentford hierarchy and sort out an arrangement that is suitable for all parties, the deal's not dead, it just needs serious surgery! - Ed

If you believe in omens, then Hammers acquisition of 'Les' Dawson on loan from relegated Watford will have you more than a little worried, having previously been relegated with West Brom, and then been relegated with Watford, it appears the 30 year old defender is going for a triumvirate of teams that have names beginning with 'W's to drop down a division with.

Hammers have signed Dawson on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to buy?David Moyes tried to bring in a central defender before the international transfer window closed on the 5th of October, but his efforts to sign Burnley's James Tarkowski failed and Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori turned down a loan deal with just an hour to spare.

"It's no secret that we have been trying to add more quality to the squad in defensive positions, not only for the longer-term but also to ensure we are well protected right now," said Moyes. "The opportunity to bring in 'Les' on loan was an addition that will make the group stronger through this period."

'Les' Dawson made what must have been a tongue in cheek remark when he said "I can't wait to get started and 'SHARE MY EXPERIENCE'. We've got a lot of experienced lads here anyway and to be joining this group of players is an exciting prospect, so I can't wait. It's a talented group and I can add competition to that backline, so hopefully I can slot straight in with the lads and help them improve their game as well."

Well, that's one additional lame duck added at no extra cost other than his wages, who else we wonder? We joked about it before but perhaps Moyes IS trying to link him up with his old mucker Danny Wellbeck! People in positions of influence at West Ham should not forget the 'catastrophic effect' transfer 'news' like this has on younger fans, fans who will have to face up to being 'ribbed' relentlessly by their school pals tomorrow. Ed

Forget James Tarkowski, Duje Caleta-Car and Wesley Fofana, the Hammers 'Comedy Show' are pleased to announce the impending arrival of none other than Watford's unwanted opening act, 'Les' Dawson! Now we know Panto season is just around the corner, and this year in particular it will be extremely difficult to put on a good show, however the Hammers hierarchy have searched long and hard for a 'fitting' centre back and are consequently looking forward to welcoming the 30 year old 'young at heart'.

The fact that 'Les' has already experienced relegation with Watford and West Brom was of great importance as it is felt that he will be able to guide others with what NOT to do! Now this might seem like a disingenuous welcome to a new player, for which we apologise, however "les' doesn't exactly fit in to Moyes' young and hungry template does he? Of course since embarking on the Tarka' pursuit things HAVE changed a little, Fabian Balbuena who had been completely frozen out by his manager has by fate and coincidence been able to put himself back in the frame, in fact some would say his recent performances have been on a par to Angelo Ogbonna's.

It's easy to 'throw arrows' at the unholy trinity, but in a way the move for 'Les' does make some sense, he would obviously not feature in the starting eleven unless there were injuries or suspensions to deal with, but with Balbuena, Diop and Ogbonna vying for the two centre back berths Les' playing opportunities would be sparse to say the least, and it is to be remembered that Winston Reid can be recalled from his loan spell in December.

If, and as always it is a big if, the funds that would have been used for Tarkowski are deployed in acquiring Benerahma and possibly Josh King then we don't think many fans will be upset, far from it. There is still a doubt over cover for the full backs, so another left back would be a prudent investment, and possibly an 'enforcer' for midfield.

There are still a few days to go before the 'second' transfer window closes, but in a way the club's main business, apart from getting rid of a lot of dead wood, was to keep hold of Declan Rice, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio. Doubtless there will be more twists and turns, smoke and mirrors and false news before the week's end, after all, it's the West Ham way! - Ed