Fulham transfer failed after player broke down in tears and ran away from final day of medical

An explosive report has claimed Fulham have lost out on a deadline day transfer after the player fled the scene midway through his medical.

The Cottagers made six signings in the summer, with the spending spree led by Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe arrives for £34m.

However, Marco Silva had been hoping for a seventh signing on the final day of the window, but the deal fell through under strange circumstances.

The French newspaper L'Equipe reports Fulham were on the verge of signing Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah for an estimated £16m deal, with the striker landing in London for a medical.

However, according to the report, Nuamah felt he had been forced out of Lyon and was unwilling to leave the club given they would be competing in the Europa League this season.

He also suggested that Nuamah had been crying all day, such was her desire to stay in France.

The 20-year-old managed to complete the first part of his medical examination, but when it came to the final stage he disappeared into thin air.

L'Equipe claims that not even Nuamah's agent was able to locate him, which ultimately led to the deal falling through.

The report claims that Lyon owner John Textor subsequently sent a letter of apology to Nuamah, stating that the Ghanaian has a place at the club.

Everton They were also credited with a strong interest in Nuamah, but it was Fulham who beat them to it on the final matchday, although to no avail.

Nuamah has played twice for Lyon in Ligue 1 this season but has not played for the club since deadline day.

The forward has spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Lyon, having signed on deadline day just 24 hours after joining Belgian club 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 in 29 league appearances for Lyon, helping the club to sixth place and prompting the French side to make his £24million transfer permanent in July.

The youngster also received much praise for his impressive performance against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly.

Playing on the left wing, he showed great tenacity and willingness to attack the Gunners' defensive line with the ball at his feet.

Nuamah also had a golden opportunity to score when Jakub Kiwior misjudged a sliding clearance, allowing the Ghanaian to burst through on goal but David Raya stuck out his left hand to deny him.

Lyon's next game will be on 15 September, when they visit Lens for a Ligue 1 match.