From tears to flee: How Ernest Nuamah’s move to Fulham collapsed

Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah was reportedly left in tears after Olympique Lyon attempted to force a transfer to Fulham during the summer transfer window, according to reports from France.The 20-year-old was heavily linked with moves to Fulham and Everton on the final day of the transfer deadline.Fulham had reportedly agreed on a 19 million fee with Lyon for the talented winger, but the deal ultimately fell through.According to French outlet LEquipe, Nuamah was adamant about staying at Lyon and was emotionally distressed by the club’s insistence on selling him to Fulham.The situation escalated to the point where Nuamah broke down in tears when representatives from Fulham arrived in France to finalise the transfer.In a dramatic turn of events, Nuamah reportedly disappeared during his medical examination, which led to the collapse of the deal.The young winger’s determination to remain with Lyon prevailed, but the incident left him deeply affected.In response to the situation, Lyon’s owner John Textor is said to have sent a personal message to Nuamah, apologising for the club’s attempt to push him out.Nuamah initially joined Lyon on a permanent transfer in July after impressing during a loan spell with the French side. Last season, he played 33 matches, contributing three goals and two assists, and was instrumental in helping Lyon rise from the relegation zone to qualify for the Europa League by finishing sixth.Despite his strong performances, Nuamah has been left out of Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, adding another layer of complexity to his recent experiences.