According to an explosive report, Fulham missed a deadline-day transfer because the player fled the scene in the middle of a medical examination.
The Cottagers signed six players in the summer, with the highlight of the spending spree being the arrival of Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe for £34 million.
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Marco Silva, however, had expected a seventh new signing on the last day of the transfer window, but the deal fell through under bizarre circumstances.
French media outlet L’Equipe reported that Fulham were close to signing Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah for around £16 million, with the striker landing in London for a medical.
However, according to the report, Nuamah felt he had to leave Lyon and was not keen to leave the club as the club would be competing in the Europa League this season.
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It was also noted that Nuamah burst into tears throughout the day because he wanted so much to stay in France.
The 20-year-old successfully mastered the first part of the medical examination, but when it came to the final steps, he disappeared into thin air as if by magic.
L’Equipe claims that not even Nuamah’s agent was able to track him down, which ultimately led to the deal falling through.
According to the report, Lyon owner John Textor later sent a letter of apology to Nuamah, claiming that the Ghanaian had a place at the club.
Everton were also said to be very interested in Nuamah, but Fulham beat them to the deal on deadline – even though nothing came of it.
Nuamah has made two appearances for Lyon in Ligue 1 this season, but the club has not played since the deadline.
The striker spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Lyon, having signed on deadline day less than 24 hours after joining Belgian club RWD Molenbeek – a club also owned by Textor – for £21 million from Nordsjälland.
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Nuamah scored three goals and provided two assists in 29 league games for Lyon, helping the club to sixth place and prompting the French side to sign him permanently for £24 million in July.
The young player also earned a lot of praise for his extremely impressive performance against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly.
On the left wing, he showed plenty of tenacity and a willingness to charge at the Gunners’ defence with the ball at his feet.
Nuamah also had a golden chance to score when Jakub Kiwior miscued the ball and the Ghanaian was able to storm towards the goal, but David Raya was able to stop his shot with his outstretched left hand.
Lyon will next be in action on September 15 when they travel to Lens for a Ligue 1 match.