Sorry Liverpool fans, Fekir isn’t going anywhere… for now, at least.
Today, Olympique Lyonnais have announced that Nabil Fekir’s heavily rumored move to Liverpool is now officially off.
In the club’s official statement, the French club said:
"“Olympique Lyonnais informs that the negotiations with Liverpool and Nabil Fekir for the transfer of the captain of OL have not succeeded and that Olympique Lyonnais has decided to put an end to this negotiation tonight at 20h”."
This is a huge blow for Liverpool, as adding Fekir to a midfield three that now includes both Naby Keita and Fabinho would have made them immediate title contenders.
With Keita and Fabinho playing more of a defensive role, that would have given Fekir the freedom to get forward and create for the already lethal trio of Salah, Firmino, and Mane, as well as provide another goalscoring presence.
His 18 goals were tied for fifth-most in Ligue 1 last season, and his 8 assists were tied for 6th-most, according to WhoScored.
It’s being speculated that Liverpool had concerns after Fekir’s medical and tried to ask for a lower price, but Lyon refused. There has also been some speculation that the Frenchman may move after the World Cup, but Lyon’s actions today have made that seem less likely.
Lyon turned down a massive bid from Liverpool and added in their statement that they are “delighted” to keep their creative talisman as the French club will try to make waves in the Champions League this year, after not qualifying last season.
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If Fekir and Lyon still have a long-term future together, Lyon could now start to shift their focus and build around Fekir to challenge PSG’s Ligue 1 monopoly.
Their refusal to sell any of their top players could mark the beginning of a competitive shift in French football.
Before the modern PSG came around, Lyon was the dominant force in Ligue 1, winning seven straight titles from 2001-2008.
With Monaco having to sell most of their better players, this could open the door for Lyon or Marseille to start spending money instead of selling players to become PSG’s main title challengers.
Liverpool will now have to set their sights elsewhere if they’re still interested in adding an attacking midfielder.
That said, they still do have more glaring weaknesses at the goalkeeper and center-back position, which have looked frail recently, particularly in the Champions League final.
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Who do you think Liverpool should chase as a Nabil Fekir alternative?