Liverpool could finally land Nabil Fekir this summer after Lyon chief’s surprising comment
LIVERPOOL could renew their interest in Nabil Fakir this summer after Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed the club are willing to part company with the midfielder.
"Effectively, Nabil is outside [of the two departures expected], because we have an understanding that he can go," Aulas told the media after Lyon’s 3-2 win over Nimes on Friday night.
"Thanks Nabil for bringing what he brought, we have an understanding to let him go.”
Fekir was disappointed to have missed out on a move to Liverpool and recently hinted his future lies away from Ligue 1.
“Liverpool? It's part of a player's career, but it makes you stronger and you have to move forward,” he told Telefoot.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could renew his interest in Nabil Fekir this summer (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool were on the brink of signing Nabil Fekir last summer (Image: GETTY)
We have an understanding to let him go
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas on Nabil Fekir's future
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"I really don't know what I will do [next summer]. But as I said I feel good in Lyon, the president trusts me, that's good.
“You will see [if I extend my contract]."
If Liverpool were to acquire Fekir’s services, his arrival would further strengthen their options in their already talent-rich midfield.
Former Kop star Mark Lawrenson wants his old side to make a move for the Frenchman, who he believes would be an ideal replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
Olympique Lyonnais are willing to part company with Nabil Fekir this summer (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp could be tempted to make another move for the World Cup winner (Image: GETTY)
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He said: “You might argue they don't really need to desperately strengthen any one position, but I think it would be nice if they could get an attacking midfielder, of the sort they have not had since Philippe Coutinho left for Barcelona in January 2018.
“A criticism I heard a lot, particularly earlier in the season, was that with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sidelined, all of Liverpool's midfielders were too similar, and not adept at opening up defences.
“I am talking about someone with a bit more creativity, like Lyon's Nabil Fekir, who they were going to buy last summer until the move fell through.”
Fekir enjoyed a stellar 2018-19 season with Lyon, scoring 12 goals and picking up nine assists in 39 appearances for Bruno Gensio’s side.