In the high-stakes world of Premier League transfers, few near-misses have generated as much intrigue as Liverpool's abandoned pursuit of French midfielder Nabil Fekir. The proposed £53 million move from Lyon in the summer of 2018 progressed to an advanced stage before dramatically collapsing, leaving questions that have lingered for years.
The Transfer That Came Within Touching Distance
For every successful transfer that captures headlines, numerous potential deals falter before completion. However, Liverpool's attempt to secure Nabil Fekir's signature stands out as particularly remarkable given how close it came to fruition. The attacking midfielder had not only agreed personal terms with the Merseyside club but had actually undergone a medical examination and participated in promotional photo shoots.
The official explanation from Liverpool centred on concerns about Fekir's knee, specifically citing a cartilage issue that emerged during medical assessments. This rationale formed the public justification for why the club pulled the plug on what seemed like an imminent transfer announcement.
Fekir's Counter-Narrative and Family Allegations
Speaking to French publication L'Equipe in 2019, Fekir presented a dramatically different account of events. "Lots of lies were told, and they affected me," the midfielder revealed, "Especially those told about my family. It hurt them and me. Especially when you know that what's being told is false."
The player specifically addressed claims from his former agent, Jean-Pierre Bernes, who suggested Fekir's brother-in-law had disrupted negotiations by demanding a commission from the transfer. "What was said is not the truth," Fekir insisted, "My knee is good - I had a quick medical check at Clairefontaine - my knee wasn't even mentioned."
Fekir questioned the logic behind Liverpool's stated concerns, pointing out that Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas had subsequently made a substantial contract offer to retain him. "If my knee had been in such a bad state, would Aulas have made such an offer?" he asked rhetorically.
The Medical Mystery and Conflicting Accounts
The French international expressed frustration about the uncertainty surrounding the collapsed transfer. "But the worst thing is the idea that people could suggest that it's because of my family that the transfer didn't happen," he continued. "It's a lie. But you have to live with it. You want the truth? Even I don't know - I promise you!"
Fekir maintained that his knee examinations at France's national football centre were conclusive. "I did my medical and then Liverpool decided not to sign me. At some point they wanted to have me believe it was because of my knee - but an excuse needed to be found. The medical tests that I did at Clairefontaine were very clear - my knee is perfectly fine and I feel fine. There are no issues at all with my knee."
Aftermath and Career Trajectory
Following the collapsed Liverpool move, Fekir remained at Lyon for one additional season before joining Spanish side Real Betis in 2019. His career continued to flourish as he helped Betis secure the Copa del Rey trophy in 2022 and maintained his place in the French national team setup.
The midfielder's injury history includes two significant setbacks:
- A torn cruciate ligament in September 2015 that sidelined him for approximately six months
- A similar injury in February 2023 that required another six-month recovery period
Despite these challenges, Fekir has largely avoided persistent injury troubles throughout his professional career. His achievements include being part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad and, more recently, winning the UAE League Cup with Al Jazira after his 2024 transfer to the United Arab Emirates.
Liverpool's Post-Fekir Success
Interestingly, Liverpool's decision to abandon the Fekir transfer did not hinder their subsequent success under manager Jurgen Klopp. The club proceeded to sign Naby Keita, Fabinho, and Xherdan Shaqiri during that same summer transfer window.
These acquisitions contributed to one of the most successful periods in Liverpool's modern history:
- Champions League triumph in 2019
- Premier League title victory in 2020, ending a thirty-year domestic league drought
- Multiple other domestic and international trophies during Klopp's tenure
The Fekir transfer saga remains a fascinating footnote in Liverpool's recent history, highlighting how even the most advanced negotiations can unravel and how conflicting narratives can emerge when high-value deals collapse at the eleventh hour.
