Had Leeds United signed Said Benrahma for a club-record fee back in 2020, there is surely a very good chance that the Whites would not have gone on and purchased a certain Raphinha right at the end of the same window.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side were gearing up for their Premier League return. And understandably, they had their eye on one of the Championship’s best players following their promotion.
In fact, the Daily Mirror reported that Leeds were considering a £25 million bid for Benrahma. At the time, that would have seen our transfer record broken.
Ultimately, no move took place. Benrahma would end up at West Ham. And Leeds would produce a masterstroke, signing Raphinha from Rennes.
Leeds did avoid a big mistake in that window. But two years on, and it seems that we now face a battle to keep Raphinha at Elland Road.
Barcelona appear to be leading the race. Meanwhile, Liverpool are also interested. But so, as it turns out, are West Ham.
West Ham will surely offer Benrahma to Leeds as Hammers eye fresh Raphinha bid
The Hammers made a £50 million bid in January that appeared to be more about making a statement to their own fans than actually being a genuine attempt to land Raphinha. And 90min reports that they remain in the running.
Meanwhile, West Ham are looking to move players on this summer. And one of those on the market is Benrahma. The Sun suggests that the Irons are open to offers, and will sell for around £30 million.
Victor Orta often seems to revert to familiar targets. So it would not be a huge surprise if Leeds were linked with Benrahma at some stage.
And perhaps it should be no surprise either if West Ham attempt to make a bid for Raphinha that involves the Algerian moving to Elland Road. Obviously, Leeds would also expect some cash coming their way also.
You would imagine plenty of Leeds fans would not be best pleased with that sort of trade.
But from West Ham’s perspective, it would surely make a lot of sense to ask the question.