Lyon say negotiations with Liverpool for the transfer of Nabil Fekir have ended and he will not be leaving the club.
The France international was expected to join Liverpool before Les Bleus left for the World Cup, but Lyon have now halted talks and the deal has been called off.
A Lyon statement read: “Transfer negotiations with Liverpool and Nabil Fekir for the transfer of the captain of OL have not succeeded and Olympique Lyonnais have decided to put an end to this negotiation tonight at 8pm.
“Although Liverpool have been the priority of a possible transfer for Nabil…Olympique Lyonnais is delighted to be able to count on the presence of our captain, who is a leading player for the 2018/19 season when the club will play in the Champions League.”
In reply to Lyon’s tweet confirming the transfer had broken down, club president Jean-Michel Aulas said: “We love you Nabil, come on France, come on Lyon!”
Before Lyon’s announcement, reports in France claimed the country’s football association chief Noel Le Graet had said the transfer was almost done.
Fekir’s agent confirmed this week that although Liverpool were keen on signing his client, the deal was far from being done.
“Talks with Liverpool will only happen when there is an agreement with Lyon and Jean-Michel Aulas gives the green light,” Jean-Pierre Bernes told French outlet Le Progres.
“Liverpool’s interest exists, but for now nothing is done. The transfer window is long. Other clubs could show interest.”
Fekir scored 21 goals and added nine assists in 39 appearances for Lyon last campaign.
Click below to follow us for more football updates…
Facebook – @Livesoccerupdates
Twitter – @Lsoccerupdates
Instagram – @Lsoccerupdates
Liverpool have already acquired Fabinho from Monaco for £43.7m this summer.
