The Premier League season comes to a conclusion this weekend but we are set for another busy summer with the World Cup now just round the corner. One player who could well be strutting his stuff in Russia this summer is Nabil Fekir of France with the Lyon Captain one of the most exciting young players in Europe.
Numerous reports this week have suggested that Liverpool are in pole position to sign French International with Jurgen Klopp eyeing up the 24-year-old as the long term replacement for the departed Phillipe Coutinho.
Filling the shoes of the Brazilian is a big ask for any player coming into Liverpool this summer, but Fekir appears to be ideally suited to a role in the Premier League thanks to a burgeoning reputation in Ligue 1.
It has to be said though that Fekir is far from a household name outside of France, so what exactly will Jurgen Klopp be getting if he does take the plunge on a deal which could cost around 70 millions euros.
What Sort Of Player Is Nabil Fekir?
Known for his sensational dribbling ability, Fekir has spent the majority of his Lyon career as the attacking midfielder behind a striker, although he is more than at home in the forward line as well.
Comparing one player with another is always a tough ask but there is no doubt that the Frenchman could do a similar job to the one vacated by Coutinho in January. A total 18 goals and six assists so far this term for Lyon highlight his importance to the team, and the ability to make defence splitting passes against defensive teams certainly compares to the skill set of the departed Brazilian.
From a technical point of view Fekir is second to none with a wand of a left foot and at 24 appears to have grown into his role as one of the leaders of the Ligue 1 outfit. Being given the armband has clearly had a positive impact on his play which will be music to the ears of Jurgen Klopp who is clearly looking to build a team of strong characters.
Where Would Fekir Fit In At Liverpool?
Like a glove.
Liverpool have had a terrific season in general but recent weeks have shown the squad to be lacking in strength and depth both in midfield and attack and it is an area that must be addressed this summer.
Klopp tended to deploy Coutinho in a deeper creative midfield role prior to his departure from the club and with Emre Can set to depart on a free and long term injury doubts over Adam Lallana, it is certainly an area of need. Naby Keita is set to arrive at the club from RB Leipzig but another creative talent alongside the Guinea International would surely be beneficial.
Fekir could also provide competition for the famed front three of Salah, Firmino and Mane who have started to look a little tired in recent weeks thanks to the lack of depth in attacking areas. Danny Ings and Dominc Solanke both provide their strengths but offer something completely different and the addition of Fekir would give Klopp some much needed quality and competition for the first choice trio.
Liverpool have made major strides forward over the past couple of years but they remain a distance behind Man City in the fight for the Premier League and only a greater squad depth will see them put up a stronger challenge next season.
Is The Transfer Going To Happen?
Well the signs are certainly promising.
Reports out of France this week seem to suggest that the deal is as good as done and although no one at Liverpool will comment on any transfer speculation, there have been no clear denials from journalists close to the club.
Jurgen Klopp has proven stubborn when it comes to transfers with the signings of Virgil Van Dijk and Naby Keita the two perfect examples of the German's inability to settle for a plan b. If Fekir is the man the German wants this summer then Liverpool fans can be assured that he will do everything possible to get their main target.
From the players' point of view it looks the ideal next step in a growing career which would see him join a club going in the right direction. W reported fee of around 70 million euros is not going to be a stumbling block for the Reds given the fee brought in for Coutinho, whilst the remarkable run to Kiev is also set to net Liverpool another cash windfall.
