A bombshell report has claimed Fulham missed out on a deadline day move after the player fled the scene halfway through his medical.
The Cottagers made six signings in the summer, with the spending spree headlined by the arrival of Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe for £34million.
However, Marco Silva would have expected a seventh incoming on the final day of the window, only for the deal to collapse in bizarre circumstances.
French outlet L’Equipe reports Fulham were poised to land Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah in an estimated £16m deal, with the forward landing in London for a medical.
However, according to the report, Nuamah felt he had been forced out the exit door from Lyon and was not keen on departing the club, given they would be competing in the Europa League this season.
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It also suggested Nuamah was in tears over the course of the day, such was his desire to stay in France.
The 20-year-old managed to complete the first part of his medical, but when it came to the final steps he had disappeared into thin air.
L’Equipe claims not even Nuamah’s agent could track him down, ultimately leading to the deal’s collapse.
The report states Lyon owner John Textor later issued a letter of apology to Nuamah, claiming the Ghanaian has a place at the club.
Everton were also credited with a strong interest in Nuamah, but it was Fulham who nipped in front of them on deadline day – although it amounted to nothing.
Nuamah has featured twice for Lyon in Ligue 1 action this season, but the club has not played since deadline day.
The forward spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Lyon, having signed on deadline day barely 24 hours after he joined Belgian side RWD Molenbeek – a club also owned by Textor – in a £21m transfer from Nordsjaelland.
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Nuamah scored three goals and provided two assists across 29 league appearances for Lyon, helping the club to a sixth-place finish and prompting the French side to make his move permanent for £24m in July.
The youngster also earned plenty of plaudits for a highly impressive showing against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly.
Operating on the left wing, he showed plenty of tenacity and a willingness to drive at the Gunners’ backline with the ball at his feet.
Nuamah also had a golden chance to score when Jakub Kiwior mistimed a sliding clearance, allowing for the Ghanaian to streak through clear on goal, only to be denied by David Raya’s outstretched left hand.
Lyon are next in action on September 15 when they travel to Lens for a Ligue 1 fixture.
