In a recent interview with Le Progres, mentioned by Sky Sports, Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nabil Fekir has revealed that he is still interested in making a switch to Liverpool despite his failed £53m transfer to Anfield last summer. The French playmaker said, “Discussions are ongoing. I have sat down with the president, things are advancing slowly. When will I take a decision? I am not fixing myself a date, I am not in a rush. Nobody is putting any pressure on it and I like to take my time.
“I do not know [how long I will stay]. Last year was supposed to be my last, and in the end I’m still here.
“I cannot know the answer to this. I am happy at Lyon, but which player doesn’t dream of discovering a new league, another club?”
His recent comments should encourage the Reds if they still intend to secure the services of the Ligue 1 prospect in the near future. However, Jurgen Klopp has shown no indication so far about his intention to go back in for the player following a failed attempt to sign him last year.
Fekir ended up staying at Lyon where he has made 21 appearances this term, scoring nine goals while creating five assists across all competitions. He has also earned 20 international caps for the French national team and has two goals to his name for his country.
His remarkable record in this campaign proves that the Lyon-born sensation can be one of the most effective front players in European football if he can stay fit and healthy on the pitch, which is something that the Reds have their doubts over.
Thus, it is difficult to see why the Merseyside giants would go back in for the player when they are unsure on whether Fekir would be able to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League. Klopp has currently got a very strong squad to choose from at Anfield. With a number of key personnel set to come back from their respective injuries in the coming days, there is no reason why the Reds of Merseyside need to go into the January transfer market looking to sign new players.
It makes little sense to tinker with the squad if Klopp feels that his current crop of players are good enough to challenge for the Premier League title. Having said that, the French talent would be a shrewd signing as he can unlock any defence if given enough space in midfield.
Liverpool should think about exploring the idea of recruiting him next summer but for now, they are better off staying put and concentrate on getting results on the pitch.
