Midfielder Houssem Aouar has reflected on a “stressful transfer window” amid a failed move to Nottingham Forest.
The Reds were said to have agreed terms with the Frenchman during the summer. But an agreement could not be reached with Lyon and he ended up staying put, despite also receiving interest from elsewhere.
With a year left on his contract, Aouar’s future is uncertain. He has made clear that if it was up to him, he would have left the French club, saying he was happy with most of the offers which came his way during the window.
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“It was a stressful transfer window for me,” he told L’Equipe, via Get French Football News. “But I agreed with most of the clubs that came forward.”
He added: “It’s not me who failed to leave. In a transfer, there are three parties - the buying club, the selling club, and the player.
“If it were up to me, I would’ve been transferred since I had accepted the offers. But everyone has to agree and respect that.
“It happens every summer for a lot of players. It doesn’t bother me mentally at all. I am someone who quickly moves on.”
The 24-year-old also revealed Benfica were among the clubs he had an agreement with. He said: “Yes, even with Benfica.
“You can see these clubs of different standings, with different projects, and I did not stand in the way. Unfortunately, OL could not come to an agreement with any of the clubs concerned.
“You have to respect that, there is no problem. But I haven’t closed the doors.
“The club wanted to sell me. I wanted to leave. So we worked together, but OL couldn’t find an agreement, which I can understand.”
Last month, it was claimed Lyon were looking to offer Aouar fresh terms. However, Real Betis were said to have him as a “main target” for next summer, although it was suggested they were concerned Forest could reignite their interest and provide competition for his signature.
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