Nabil Fekir Transfer to Liverpool Called Off, Lyon Announce

Lyon announced on Saturday that Nabil Fekir will not be joining Liverpool this summer and will stay at the Ligue 1 club instead.

The two clubs had been in talks over a €60 million (£52.6 million) move, but Lyon said the transfer "had not succeeded," per BBC Sport.

Fekir had looked on the verge of a move to Anfield and had completed a medical with Jurgen Klopp's side, according to president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet.

"He's in the middle of negotiations and I think it's done," Le Graet said, per Jack Austin at The Independent. "I spent 15 minutes with him this morning [Saturday], and he's worried by the France team. He's in good spirits. He passed his medical in Clairefontaine. That's logical, we've done it for other players. He was looking forward to it because the visit he had was positive."

However, Liverpool tried to renegotiate his price after the medical, according to RMC Sport's Loic Tanzi (h/t Get French Football News):

The club was concerned about an underlying knee issue that showed up on tests, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Football writer Joel Rabinowitz highlighted Fekir's injury record:

According to Goal's Robin Bairner, the Ligue 1 side's stance may just be a tactic:

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has a reputation for being a tough negotiator. Talks between the clubs could restart after the FIFA 2018 World Cup, according to David Maddock at the Mirror:

Fekir is on international duty with France ahead of the tournament in Russia. The 24-year-old secured his place in the squad after a fine season with Lyon saw him notch 18 goals and eight assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances.

Lyon's announcement is a surprise, as it appeared that Liverpool were set to land their man. Sachin Nakrani at the Guardian noted why Liverpool fans should remain positive:

The Reds have already signed Fabinho and Naby Keita, which means their midfield will have a fresh look next season, but they will have to make do without Fekir—for now, at least.