Liverpool’s hunt to sign Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir has hit the skids, as the French club’s president has stated that there is no way forward concerning the deal.
In a video posted to Lyon’s official website, as translated by the Mirror, the chairman Jean-Michel Aulas indicated that the deal could be in jeopardy.
“The deal is at a standstill, there is no way forward,” said Aulas.
“The deal will certainly not be closed during the World Cup and I don’t think there will be any change before the World Cup.”
Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the 24-year-old France international, who is seen as the out-and-out replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who departed the club in January.
It is reported that Klopp grew frustrated at the lack of quality attacking options towards the end of last season, as evidenced by Liverpool’s inability to create much pressure in the Champions League final when Mo Salah went down.
OPINION
Nabil Fekir would fit into Liverpool’s style of play with ease, although it is seemingly unlikely that a deal could happen before the World Cup commences. It is reported that Liverpool do not want to spend any more than £50m, but with a solid performance over in Russia, his stock could rise immensely. The attraction is there for Fekir to want to move to the Merseyside, as the Reds boast one of the best-attacking corps in the Premier League, and Champions League football next season is confirmed. However, as Aulas has indicated, the deal has hit its snag, and with other huge European team’s monitoring the situation, it could be that Liverpool could have the Frenchman snatched from under their noses. It is reported that Lyon are happy to see Fekir leave the squad this season, if the price is right; and that is a big if as far as Klopp is concerned, as he hasn’t met that valuation yet.