The Premier League Sides Who Should Be Looking at Brentford’s Saïd Benrahma

11 July 2020 18:30

Brentford’s form post-lockdown has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Bees have taken maximum points from all of their six games since the restart, notching 14 goals and conceding just twice.

The run has seen Thomas Frank’s side give themselves an outside chance of automatic promotion - though Leeds and West Brom still look well set for a return to the top tier.

Should Brentford fail to achieve promotion – whether it be through the play-offs or automatically – the Premier League vultures will no doubt begin to circle Griffin Park, and top of most clubs’ wishlist should be enigmatic forward Saïd Benrahma.

Since arriving from French side Nice in 2018, Benrahma has proven time and time again that he’s one of the best players in the Championship, with his creativity, guile and goal-threat becoming a feature of the club’s play.

While the Bees will no doubt command a substantial fee if they are to be relieved of their prized asset, Benrahma’s ability is certainly worth the risk.

Here’s 90min’s rundown of the Premier League clubs who should be watching the Algeria international.


1. Leicester City

Maddison is understood to be on the wishlist of Manchester United | Visionhaus/Getty Images

With speculation regarding the future of James Maddison continuing to circulate, the Foxes need a plan B.

Benrahma is a different type of player to Maddison, with the Brentford man possessing more pace and being better suited to the wide areas. But his technical ability means he roams across the frontline and looks more than comfortable in the number ten position.

Even if Brendan Rodgers is able to keep hold of Maddison, Leicester’s reliance on the youngster’s creativity has become too much for a 23-year-old and he’s displayed clear signs of fatigue at times this campaign.

Benrahma would be the perfect signing to take some of the pressure off the former Norwich man’s shoulders.

2. Arsenal

Arteta will no doubt be looking to bolster his attacking options this summer | Pool/Getty Images

While Mikel Arteta’s arrival at the club has certainly seen an improvement defensively, Arsenal’s attacking options still need bolstering.


Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos looks a very clever player at times, but his lack of consistency is a real issue. Mesut Özil’s career at the club, meanwhile, appears to be coming to a rather unceremonious end, leaving the Gunners short of a creative spark in midfield.


Arsenal supporters have been treated to some brilliant attacking players over the years, with the club becoming synonymous with silky, attractive football. Benrahma fits the Arsenal DNA perfectly and would be a huge hit at the Emirates Stadium.

3. Sheffield United

Wilder's side are the fifth-lowest scorers in the league | Pool/Getty Images

Chris Wilder’s men have enjoyed an incredible first season back in the Premier League, with only a few additions made to the side promoted in 2019.


The foundation of the Blades’ success has undoubtedly been their solid defensive unit, though this has proved detrimental to their attacking threat. Sheffield United have mustered just 35 goals in 34 Premier League games, and their workmanlike side would benefit from some added guile.


Whether Benrahma fits the ethos Wilder has instilled in his side is a different matter, but if the Blades boss hopes to push on from this season, the Algerian would offer something different to their starting XI.

4. Everton

Ancelotti is looking to bring a new brand of football to Goodison Park | Michael Regan/Getty Images

Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Everton has seen him adopt a more footballing midfield, with Morgan Schneiderlin heading for pastures new and the club playing without a recognised holding midfielder.

The man tasked with playing an advanced role in the Toffees’ midfielder, Gylfi Sigurðsson, is still seeking the approval of the Everton faithful, despite having spent nearly three seasons on Merseyside.

With the former Swansea man set to turn 31 in September, Ancelotti may look to delve into the market for a fresher face.

Benrahma’s ability on the ball would be perfect for the brand of football the Italian tactician appears to want to bring to Goodison Park, and his goal output could be vital in pushing the club on from the mid-table mediocrity they’ve begun to become accustomed to.

5. Crystal Palace

Hodgson's side are another who have struggled for goals this campaign | Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Roy Hodgson's men have been able to rely on the goals of Wilfried Zaha to steer them clear of relegation in recent years. However, the Ivory Coast international has managed just four this season as the Eagles have struggled to find the net.

Only Norwich have scored less than Palace in the league, meaning Hodgson has had to rely on his defence to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap.

The former England boss will be keen to rectify that in the summer, and with Zaha's future at the club still unclear (obviously), Benrahma is exactly the type of player they would need should the indecisive winger finally leave Selhurst Park.

Source: 90min