Nabil Fekir’s agent Jean-Pierre Bernes has claimed his client could still join Liverpool this summer despite the breakdown of his £53million transfer.
The France international was set to be confirmed as the Merseysiders’ second summer signing but the deal dramatically collapsed 10 days ago when on the brink of completion amid reports a medical had highlighted issues with his right knee.
Lyon released a statement to confirm negotiations with Liverpool had ended and he would stay next season but Bernes has indicated that the Premier League club’s deal for the attacking midfielder could be revived after the World Cup finals in Russia.
Asked on French TV channel LCI on Monday night by presenter Patrick Chene, as quoted by the Independent, why Fekir didn’t join Liverpool , he said: “Um he didn’t sign because um… it is not over! This is not the end of the story.”
OPINION
It is a huge boost to Liverpool that their pursuit of Fekir is not dead in the water. Far from it. Lyon’s official statement on 9 June made it crystal clear that Fekir was going nowhere and suggested talks with Liverpool had collapsed beyond the point of no return. The French club have a reputation for posturing and muscle-flexing in public. Behind the scenes, there is often a different situation, and Bernes’ revelation on French TV suggests that is the case with his client. Liverpool fans were devastated when their club’s bid to push the Fekir deal over the line came to nought, even though there was an understanding that the club should not pay over the odds for a player with a history of knee trouble. The Premier League is an unforgiving environment for any player who is not super fit and able to withstand its unique rhythms. There will now be hope that a deal for Fekir can be re-negotiated at a slightly cheaper price. Bernes appears to be suggesting his instruction from his client is to get it done at any cost. This is music to the ears of Liverpool.
