West Ham United fans have been left frustrated by David Moyes over his treatment of exciting signing Said Benrahma.
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Not many clubs of West Ham’s size sign a player for a fee that could total £30million and not use them.
But that’s exactly what West Ham boss Moyes is doing right now with Benrahma.
Benrahma conspiracy theorists out in force
When West Ham were in the running to sign Benrahma from Brentford, insiders Claret & Hugh claimed he was a signing made by the owners.
Claret & Hugh said David Moyes preferred Josh King. But the owners gave him Benrahma – whose agent Will Salthouse is close with David Sullivan’s sons.
The Algerian was signed on a season-long loan deal with a fee of £5million. It includes an obligation to buy for £25m pending a successful second medical at the end of the campaign.
Since arriving Moyes has insisted Benrahma was HIS choice and that he has final say on all transfers (Sky Sports).
Moyes also raved about Benrahma’s talents in the same Sky Sports interview.
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But the Scot this week said Benrahma must work on his ball retention and decision-making if he is to establish himself in the West Ham team (whufc.com).
Many West Ham fans have been calling for Benrahma to feature more prominently. And he has impressed in his appearances so far.
Benrahma looked sharp again when he came on against Southampton and should have got the winner but for a fine save from Saints stopper Alex McCarthy late on.
With West Ham in the comfort of midtable and looking towards Europe rather than over their shoulders at relegation, Moyes’s stance is puzzling.
Is Hammers boss waiting to hit safety mark before fully unleashing £30m man?
But perhaps the Scot is waiting until West Ham reach the fabled safety mark of 40 points before unleashing Benrahma in the Premier League?
For many it can be the only explanation even though it could be argued West Ham would reach that milestone more quickly WITH Benrahma in the side.
With West Ham mathematically safe, Moyes could perhaps give the playmaker more freedom to express himself in a team playing with the shackles off.
West Ham are only 17 points off reaching that marker and we’re not even at the halfway stage.
So if that is the case, fans won’t have long to wait, as frustrating as that might be.
Moyes is well known for drip-feeding new signings into action, particularly those that have moved up from the Championship.
He did the same with Jarrod Bowen but his transition was helped in some ways by the lockdown last season and he became one of the first names on the West Ham team sheet thereafter.
Hammers fans will be hoping Benrahma can follow in Bowen’s footsteps and establish himself in the team sooner rather than later.
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