Liverpool are closing in on another significant piece of summer transfer business
Following the news that Liverpool were hopeful of signing Lyon’s Nabil Fekir before the World Cup, it’s now being reported that the deal will be sealed on Friday.
Fekir is currently with the French national side as they prepare to fly to Russia, but several reports suggest the deal will be finalised within 24 hours.
The Times’ Paul Joyce is one of those to report Fekir’s switch to Anfield is imminent, with Lyon set to receive an initial fee of £48.4m (€55.17m). The Ligue 1 side could receive a further £4.4m (€5m) in bonuses, too.
Liverpool to seal Nabir Fekir deal on Friday. Initial £48.4million plus a further £4.4million in bonuses.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) June 7, 2018
A further tweet from Joyce also added that Liverpool’s medical team had been in Paris on Thursday, presumably to conduct a medical with Fekir.
Sporting director Michael Edwards led negotiations. Liverpool medical staff been in Paris today @TimesSport
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) June 7, 2018
The signing of the 24-year-old follows the capture of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who signed for Liverpool within 48 hours of the club’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in Kiev last month. Naby Keita will also join the club from RB Leipzig on July 1.
Reports on Wednesday also suggested that Liverpool were giving serious thought to activating the relegation release clause in Xherdan Shaqiri’s contract at Stoke City. The Swiss international had confirmed earlier in the week that he intended to leave the club, and Jürgen Klopp is said to be interested in paying the clause – thought to be around £12m.
In an interview given to RMC shortly after signing for Liverpool, Fabinho praised Fekir, saying it would be “good” if he joined him on Merseyside. “He is a very good player, of international level,” Fabinho said.
“In Ligue 1, it is not only this season that he has demonstrated things. It’s been a few years since he demonstrates his quality. If he comes, it will be good too.”
Fekir scored 21 times for Lyon this season, including one in a Europa League victory against Everton at Goodison Park last October.
