Liverpool can finally put Nabil Fekir ghosts to bed by pressing ahead with £20m Lyon transfer

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The transfer saga involving Nabil Fekir in the summer of 2018 remains one of the biggest mysteries in Liverpool’s history.

After losing Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, the French international was earmarked to fill his hole in the team and the Reds swiftly agreed a deal with Lyon.

Photos of Fekir holding a Liverpool kit emerged on social media and there were even reports that he filmed his first interview with the club.

However, the Reds pulled the plug on the deal for reasons that remain unclear to date as he remained at Lyon and later moved to Real Betis.

Nearly six years later, Liverpool can finally put those ghosts to bed with a move for Rayan Cherki, who is one of Lyon’s crown jewels currently.

Liverpool should make a move for Rayan Cherki

Lyon find themselves in a bit of a pickle as it was confirmed yesterday that they have been handed a provisional Ligue 2 relegation and a transfer ban due to their dire financial situation.

After Bordeaux were forced to give up their professional status earlier this year, it looks like another giant of French football is headed on a similar path.

Now, how does this concern the Reds?

Liverpool made a move to sign Cherki in the summer transfer window but nothing materialised as the youngster remained at Lyon despite interest from Fulham, PSG and Dortmund.

Primarily an attacking midfielder, Cherki is capable of playing as a second striker or a false nine, much like former Lyon captain and one-time Liverpool target Fekir.

Both players are left-footed, play similar roles and have French-Algerian roots, making the similarities hard to miss.

How much should Liverpool pay for Cherki?

Cherki has a contract until 2026, but due to Lyon’s dire financial state, it appears as if any half-decent offer could be enough to prize away their biggest assets as they run the risk of relegation.

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool have made a fresh enquiry for Cherki, who is valued at around £20m by Lyon.

It could be argued that the Reds don’t really need a player like him at Anfield as they are well-stacked in attack and the number ten role.

But over the years, Liverpool have always remained attentive to market opportunities and a cut-price deal for a long-term target like Cherki certainly falls in that category.