West Ham target Said Benrahma came on a 92nd-minute substitute on the bench tonight (Tues) for Algeria in an international friendly against Mexico in Holland.
Four days ago Benrahma started for Algeria playing the full ninety minutes in a one-nil win over Nigeria but was rested tonight possibly by prior agreement given transfer talks are continuing between his agents, West Ham and his club Brentford.
Alegeria’s game against Mexico ended in a 2-2 draw after Algerians went down to ten men after 55 minutes.
Benrahma was first called up to the Algeria national team for friendly matches against Guinea and Senegal in 2015, making his debut versus Senegal on 13 October 2015, when he came on as a substitute.
One month later, he was called into the squad for two 2018 World Cup second round qualifiers versus Tanzania, but did not make an appearance. Benrahma’s club form at Brentford during the 2018–19 season was recognised with a call-up for two 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and he won his second international cap with a start in a 1–0 win over Tunisia on 26 March 2019.
He was named in Algeria’s preliminary squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Benrahma is expected to fly back to London tonight or tomorrow and could have a medical with West Ham as soon as he returns.
The Hammers have three more days to seal a deal and hope the player will sign on a five-year contract before 5 pm on Friday.
Defender blowing him a kiss. No contact but falling over.