Exclusive: Agbonlahor scoffs as West Ham finalise £20m permanent signing
Said Benrahma's current performances are not justifying the initial £20milllion fee West Ham have agreed to pay Brentford for the loanee.
That is the view of former England and Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider as the Irons prepare to bring the deal, initially planned for the summer, forward to this month.
The Guardian report West Ham will pay Brentford an initial £20million fee for Benrahma plus £5million add-ons to free up one of the two spaces they have in their squad for domestic loanees.
Premier League rules allow only two loans from other English clubs and with Craig Dawson taking up the other slot, the Hammers are set to convert Benrahma's loan deal into a permanent move.
They paid Brentford a £5million loan fee in the summer for the Algeria international with an agreement to pay £20million plus £5million add-ons at the end of the season.
Asked by Football Insider whether Benrahma can justify that price tag, Agbonlahor said: “I think he will do in the long run.
“At the moment I don’t think he’s showing the performances that he did at Brentford.
“He’s been quiet and he’s got a lot to do to warrant the £20million.
“It’s something David Moyes has got to think about.”
Benrahma has played 13 times for West Ham across all competitions since his summer move.
He is yet to find the net for the Hammers but has provided two assists - both in the Premeir League.