Real Betis have confirmed on their official website that Nabil Fekir has signed with the club. Liverpool came close to sealing a move for the French playmaker last summer, but the deal fell off at the final hurdle due to concerns over a previous knee injury (via the Daily Express). The Spanish club has also taken a cheeky dig at Jurgen Klopp’s team by making a post on Twitter which stated, ‘In perfect medical condition!’
The Reds were linked with a move for Fekir earlier this summer (via the Sun), but Betis have beaten them in the race after agreeing on a five-year deal with the player.
Fekir’s Incredible Career In European Football
The French star had a solid season at Lyon after he put in some glorious displays in the previous campaign. However, his numbers had significantly dropped from the 2017-18 season when he registered 23 goals and provided eight assists in 40 matches across multiple competitions. Fekir could only manage to find the back of the net 12 times and created nine assists in 39 appearances on all fronts last season.
Even though his goal-scoring record has gotten worse in the French top-flight, his assists number is up by one in the last term. The French playmaker can still score or create goals consistently at the highest level. Hence, missing out on him could be a bitter pill to swallow for Klopp and co. at Anfield.
What Does The French Prospect Offer On The Pitch?
Fekir boasts decent pace and has tremendous ball-control which enables him to make some clever runs from midfield. He is also a prolific goal-getter and an assist-maker in the offensive end of the pitch.
Will The Reds Regret Their Decision Of Not Acquiring Fekir’s Services Last Summer?
The 2018 FIFA World Cup is one of the most potent offensive threats in European football so he would have undoubtedly benefitted Liverpool in the coming years. However, the Merseyside giants have instead chosen to go on a different route by splashing the cash on defensive reinforcements in the recent transfer windows.
Recent acquisitions like Alisson Becker, Xherdan Shaqiri and Virgil Van Dijk were instrumental behind their UEFA Champions League success from the previous season. For now, the Reds won’t regret their decision to opt against recruiting Fekir in the summer of 2018. However, only time will tell whether the Frenchman can prove his critics wrong by having a successful spell in Spanish football.
