'Fake news': Lyon president rubbishes reports on Fekir's Liverpool move
What looked like a potential dream transfer deal to be completed on Friday, now it's been denounced as 'Fake news'. Reports had claimed that Liverpool will complete the signing of Lyon mid-fielder Fekir. The French club has issued a statement rubbishing the claims and called the media reports as fake. He stated that no £53 million deal was agreed with Liverpool at any time.
'Fake news': What was stated earlier about this move?
Reports had stated that Champions League finalists agreed to meet Lyon's valuation of £53 million. Further, the star player was due to undergo a medical at Clairefontaine, the France national team's training base, before signing a contract on Friday. The Frenchman operates as an attacking mid-fielder and was being projected as Coutinho's replacement at Anfield. He is currently preparing for 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Fekir's arrival could have galvanized Reds
Last term's signing Naby Keita (£48 million) will be playing for the club from the 2018-19 season onwards. With Fabinho and (potentially) Fekir in the mix, the trio would have formed a strong mid-field for Liverpool. Liverpool will look to push once again in the Champions League after reaching the 2017-18 final. Last season, the depth was missing in key areas.
Klopp has utilized the Coutinho funds well
Jurgen Klopp needs to be credited for using the funds judiciously after Coutinho's move to Barcelona in January 2018. Coutinho commanded a whopping sum of £146 million and the positive deals of Fabinho and Keita should be lauded. If Liverpool do get Fekir in the coming time post the World Cup, then they will be truly bolstered and the funds would come handy.
How Liverpool could potentially line-up next season?
Klopp will continue with the 4-3-3 formation that suits Liverpool really well. The front three remains the same for Liverpool with Firmino, Salah and Mane responsible for scoring goals. It's the mid-field where the changes come in. Fabinho, Keita and Fekir will form the mid-field. That, in turn, could see the likes of Jordan Henderson and Co. lending support from the bench.
Our take: What to expect from Liverpool's season
Liverpool have a lot of versatility in the squad after the signing of key players. If they can sort their goal-keeping issues and get in Xherdan Shaqiri as a prime back-up for Salah, then the club could be expected to have a strong say. Besides challenging for the Premier League, they could light up the UCL as well. Their bench now looks stronger.
