Nabil Fekir's Liverpool move had progressed so far, he had already chosen his squad number.
But this was before the deal collapsed at the final hurdle.
The Lyon attacker was subject to a £53 million move to the Reds, and everything looking set after he underwent his medical at Merseyside on Friday.
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But at the death, the deal fell through.
And now it's been revealed just how far the move went along, with French publication L'Equipe reporting that the deal progressed to such an extent that the 24-year-old had even chosen his shirt number.
It is thought that the number he chose was 10, which would make sense, as Liverpool have that number vacant, following Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho's £105 million - thought to rise up to £142 million if certain clauses are met - transfer to La Liga giants Barcelona.
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The move was understood to be wrapped up but then Lyon released a statement via their official page saying that the transfer had come to a halt and Fekir would be playing for them next season. Talk about going to the brink.
This means Liverpool will now have to go back and look at their list of targets and figure out which player they want to pursue next.
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The club have been busy this summer window. They're wasting no time, signing highly-rated midfielder Fabinho from Monaco for £43.7 million and Naby Kieta from RB Leipzig in a deal that could rise to £66 million.
Who would you like to see come in and replace Fekir as an incoming play-maker for Liverpool? It's not like they are short on attacking options already.
Let us know in the comments section.
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