Mercato: Koné, Benrahma, Digard and more
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Benrahma joins ol permanently
Olympique Lyonnais yesterday announced the permanent signing of Algeria international winger Saïd Benrahma from West Ham United. Benrahama, who joined Les Gones on loan in the January window, has had his purchase option taken up in the amount of €14.4M following a spell in which he was key in helping Lyon cap a remarkable rebound by finishing sixth in the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season and reach the final of the Coupe de France in May.
He made ten starts in the league, playing primarily on the left wing in Pierre Sage's 4-3-3, and recorded three goals and three assists, adding needed attacking impetus to a team that had been struggling in the relegation places before his arrival. His new, permanent contract is a three season deal, running through June 2027 with West Ham retaining a 10% stake in the player's rights.
Speaking to the club on his arrival in February, Benrahama underscored the importance of playing for one of Ligue 1's biggest clubs, saying, "It is a historic club, which has a great history. Great players have come through there and it’s a great club. When we talk about Lyon, we only say good things about it. I really appreciated Hatem Ben Arfa, whom I followed when I was young. There is also Juninho, Benzema -- there are so many players who have been here."
KONÉ joins MARSEILLE FROM WATFORD
Olympique de Marseille have announced an agreement in principle for the signing of Canadian international midfeilder Ismäel Koné. Currently playing with his country at the Copa América, the Ivory Coast-born Koné started his career in Major League Soccer with CF Montréal before moving to English side Watford in 2023. Following the conclusion of Canada's particiaption in the Copa América, he will travel to Marseille to undergo a medical and sign his contract.
LE HAVRE APPOINT DIGARD
Finally, AC Le Havre have moved to replace Luka Elsner on their bench, with a face that will be familiar to longtime fans of Ligue 1. Didier Digard, a midfielder who got his start in professional football with the club, and also played for OGC Nice, as well as taking the reins for Les Aiglons temporarily last season, has been appointed as the new manager of Le Club Doyen.
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