Nabil Fekir reveals conversation with Jurgen Klopp before failed Liverpool transfer
In an interview with BetisTV and Movistar+ (h/t The Mirror), Nabil Fekir has opened up on his failed transfer move to Liverpool in 2018 and the controversy surrounding it. The blockbuster deal however fell apart at the 11th hour.
The 28-year-old stayed put at Olympic Lyon before moving to Real Betis a year later. Fekir has been great since joining the Spaniards and has been a key player for them. He has scored 14 goals and assisted 15 times in 81 matches across all competitions.
The attacking midfielder recalls that everything was ready and finalised and it was a matter of few variables. However, the deal to move to Liverpool suddenly broke down due to a disagreement with his representative.
“Everything was closed. I passed all the interviews, I spoke with Jürgen Klopp, he told me that he loved me, we all did it and, when we were about to sign, there were problems with my representative and the negotiation broke down.”
The French international gave the interview amidst reports of a potential move to Newcastle United following their Saudi takeover. However, the 28-year-old distanced himself from these rumours but did not quite rule it out.
“I don’t think about the offers. I am very happy here. You never know in football, but the truth is that now I don’t think about offers. I’m at Betis and I’m very happy here.”
Liverpool have not done too shabbily even without Fekir. They went on to win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the English Premier League in the next two years.
While the 28-year-old could have been an excellent signing, his representative’s actions cost him a once in a lifetime opportunity. Opportunities to play for a club such as Liverpool don’t come along very often. Fekir’s unfortunately appears to have come and gone.
More Liverpool News
- “What are we waiting for?”- Several Liverpool fans react as Mo Salah wins PFA Fans’ Player of the Month
- Liverpool’s superstar midfielder shares positive fitness update on social media ahead of Watford clash
- Transfer News: Liverpool keeping tabs on a third Leeds United star along with Illan Meslier and Raphinha
The French midfielder, so far, has impressed under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. Betis are currently in tenth place in La Liga, just behind FC Barcelona. They are also second in their Europa League group having equal points as group leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
