Real Betis complete move for Lyon forward Nabil Fekir

Real Betis have secured the signature of Lyon forward Nabil Fekir for a fee reportedly in the region of €20m (£18m).

The 26-year-old has relocated to the Benito Villamarin Stadium after eight years on the books of Les Gones.

Fekir to Betis: Five things to know…

• Lyon accepted a €20m (£18m) bid from Betis for Fekir, and he underwent a medical on Monday.
• With just a year remaining on his contract, Lyon have looked to make a profit on their star forward.
• Fekir was the subject of fervent interest from Liverpool last summer, but he ultimately remained in Lyon.
• The Frenchman’s move has now cast doubt on Giovani Lo Celso’s Betis future.
• Fekir has penned a four-year contract in Andalusia and has ended his eight-year association with Lyon.

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The France international becomes Los Verdiblancos’ fifth summer signing, and will join the likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Juanmi, Alfonso Pedraza and Dani Martin in Andalusia.

With just one year remaining on his Lyon contract, Les Gones sought to offload their playmaker this window through fear of losing him on a free transfer this time next summer.

It was confirmed last month by club president Jean-Michel Aulas that Fekir was seeking a Groupama Stadium exit after six highly successful years in the Lyon senior squad.

He leaves his homeland having made 193 appearances for Lyon, and spoke of his excitement at the prospect of a new adventure in La Liga.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “With the arrival of Fekir, Real Betis acquire creativity, great technique, shooting ability and attacking edge.”

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The move has finally brought an end to the long-standing transfer saga between Fekir and Liverpool, after the World Cup winner appeared to be on the verge of an Anfield switch last summer, only for a deal to collapse at the Eleventh Hour.

The Reds’ proposed £53m deal fell apart at the final hurdle, and Jurgen Klopp entered the 2018/19 season without a recognised No.10, though it ultimately didn’t matter as the Merseyside club went on to clinch the Champions League trophy.

Fekir’s younger brother, Yassin, has also reportedly joined Betis from Lyon, although Betis have not confirmed the move.