Aulas: Fekir allowed to leave Lyon

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed star captain Nabil Fekir can leave the Ligue 1 club.

Fekir – who was poised to join Liverpool ahead of the 2018-19 season before negotiations broke down amid reported concerns about his knee – has been linked with a move away from Lyon.

Premier League giants and Champions League finalists Liverpool are reportedly set to reignite their interest in France international midfielder Fekir.

And World Cup winner Fekir – who is contracted until 2020 and scored 12 goals in all competitions this season – has been given permission to leave boyhood club Lyon, where the 25-year-old made his debut in 2013.

FULL TIME: What a way to end the season!
Olympique Lyonnais get third place in the 2018/19 campaign #NOOL pic.twitter.com/SnOjK9T7Au

— OL English (@OL_English) May 24, 2019

“Effectively, Nabil is outside [of the two departures expected], because we have an understanding that he can go,” Aulas said following Friday’s 3-2 win over Nimes.

“Thanks Nabil for bringing what he brought, we have an understanding to let him go.”

It is expected to be a busy off-season for third-placed Lyon, with Tanguy Ndombele, Ferland Mendy, Moussa Dembele and Memphis Depay all attracting interest.

Aulas added: “We will work on making signings. We are going to try to lose as few players as possible. We are also going to strengthen.

“We are quickly going to have it out with [new sporting director] Juninho and [head coach] Sylvinho.”