'Already...' - Journalist left shocked after hearing who could leave West Ham

The former Brentford star was arguably one of the best players under David Moyes last season, managing 17 goal involvements in all competitions. So, it wouldn’t have just been O’Rourke shocked by reports from Jacob Steinberg and Fabrizio Romano in The Guardian suggesting a potential exit.

The report indicates that Moyes wants to sell the midfielder to increase his transfer budget. Reacting to the report, O’Rourke told GiveMeSport: “I’m a bit surprised that West Ham are ready to cut their losses on Benrahma and let him go already, because I think he does add something to the team. Maybe West Ham are looking at other potential replacements, and that might speed up Benrahma’s departure.”

Going back to Steinberg and Romano’s report, it suggests that Moyes believes Jesse Lingard would have a bigger impact on his West Ham side than Benrahma, and would like to be able to afford the former loanee.

Signed for £20 million in 2020, it could be argued that Benrahma hasn’t even been given a chance for the Hammers, with just two years gone. At 26, too, he is entering what is usually a player’s prime. In comparison, Lingard, 29, is approaching the often-dreaded 30s.

West Ham would be making a huge mistake by letting Benrahma go. They are unlikely to make incredible profit on the creative midfielder, and are unlikely to find a better long-term option. Lingard is the main name linked with a move to the London Stadium, but, at 29, how long can he compete at the top?

Benrahma ticks far more boxes for the Hammer, and should be considered a key player, and not the complete opposite.

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