Brentford's sale of Said Benrahma has been making headlines once again, with Noel Whelan discussing the risk West Ham United took by signing the forward despite reported issues with his medical. 

On deadline-day, issues with Benrahma's medical seemingly put his move to West Ham in jeopardy. However, the Hammers eventually pulled through and signed the 25-year-old on a loan-to-buy deal from Brentford.

Despite the fact that Benrahma featured heavily for Brentford last season - scoring 17 goals and registering nine assists - Whelan has underlined that 'issue' with his medical as something that means this is a risky signing for the Hammers.

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In an interview with Football Insider, the ex-pro points to Leeds United pulling out of the deal with Michael Cuisance due to a medical issue and how the Yorkshire side weren't willing to take a risk.

He said: “There were certain things in his medical that came to light that they were a bit worried about. 

“It obviously doesn’t worry Said Benrahma because the performances that he’d been putting in were worthy of that move and he’s not had any injuries, there have not been any setbacks over the period of time, he’s been playing.

“It’s something they were just wary about but it didn’t stop the move.

“They’ve got him on loan for £5million then another £25million at the end of the season.

“You’ve seen medicals go wrong like at Leeds United where they weren’t willing to take that risk (Cuisance).

“West Ham needed to take that risk. They needed a player like that in their squad. It’s just something they had to be cautious about.

“The deal is done, they’ve got a very good creative, attacking midfielder who I have no doubt will strengthen their side.”

Prior to making this move to West Ham, Benrahma had been dripped minutes at the start of the 2020/21 season by Brentford boss, Thomas Frank.

In total, the 25-year-old made only three appearances across all competitions, but he did score a brace in a 3-0 win over Fulham in the League Cup. Additionally, he played twice for Algeria in the most recent international break.

The Verdict 

Obviously West Ham will hope that the risk they took on Benrahma comes back to haunt them, but in my eyes, it wasn't much of a risk anyway.

Benrahma has played consistently over two seasons at Brentford and done extremely well. There didn't appear to be too much wrong with him as he made 83 Championship appearances across two seasons (including 68 starts) and it's worth considering the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday nature of that division!

Ultimately, West Ham wanted the deal doing and they got it done. Benrahma is their player and I'm sure he's going to have a good impact.

Thoughts? Let us know!