Coach Thomas Frank said Brentford was “open for sale,” Benrahma said after the Algerian player “added several million to his price” by scoring two goals in his team’s Carabao Cup win over Fulham in the Premier -league.
In his first start of the season after being tied to a transfer in the summer, Benrahma’s second-half double secured the league’s first appearance in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
A decisive shot by Marcus Forss gave the hosts an advantage in the first half, after which the 25-year-old Benrahma took advantage of Fulham’s substandard free kick in the 62nd minute.
Benrahma, who scored 17 goals and rendered nine assists in 43 league games last season, then hit his striker and scored a delightful third in a corner outside the box.
“Am I sure he will stay? I’m sure I would like him to stay, ”said Brentford boss Frank.
“But I do not know. To be honest, if the price is right, we are open for sale, but if not, we will be glad it stays.
“Either we get the maximum price, or we keep one of the best players in the league. Did he add a few million to his price tag? 100%”.
Reaction to Brentford-Fulham as well as live coverage of other Carabao Cup games on Thursday
The win means Brentford will take decisive revenge against Fulham for their last league playoff defeat in August after extra time at an empty Wembley stadium.
In an equal first half, Fulham striker Neeskens Kebano hit the post with typical curling free kicks, but Jean Michael Sery lost possession in midfield and Saman Goddos scored his third goal for Forss in the same number of games. …
Brentford goalkeeper David Raja, nearly punished by Anthony Knockart for an early goal kick, defended the home side’s weak lead with an excellent one-handed shot from Kebano’s loop on goal. beginning of the second period.
This proved to be decisive, as Benrahma punished some of Fulham’s weaknesses for hitting the back pillar before adding his superb second.
A well-deserved victory for The Bee, who dropped out of three Premier League teams, already overtaking Southampton and West Bromwich.
Fulham’s painful start continues
Only Michael Hector survived after Fulham lost 3-0 to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Monday.
This result led to three consecutive Premier League defeats for the advanced Fulham with 10 goals conceded.
Fulham vice president Tony Khan apologized to fans via Twitter for Monday’s defeat, after which manager Scott Parker said the club “needs to figure out if we want to be in this league or just be a passenger.”
Former Everton striker Ademola Luckman arrived on loan from RB Leipzig on Wednesday and significantly improved the guests’ attacking threat.
Nonetheless, Fulham’s immediate fears remain – as evidenced by Benrahma’s free kick at his team’s goal as Monday’s transfer deadline approaches.
Benrahma may still be on the move until the transfer window closes due to the stated interest in the Premier League, with an extended country-only window allowing Premier League clubs to trade with their English Football League counterparts. until 17:00 on October 16.
Fulham’s attention now returns to the Premier League in pursuit of their first win of the season over The Wolves on Sunday (14:00 BST), while Brentford is simultaneously returning to the league against Preston.
Frank’s team will host Newcastle in the quarter-finals in December.
