MOSES Simon’s deadline day move to Premier League club Leeds United fell through because of Nantes £8m demand for the Nigerian winger, a close source to the player has revealed.
The Nigeria international was also close to joining Brighton in 2020 but a deal could not be agreed with his former club Gent.
Simon, 25, was proposed to Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa and Brentford by his agent, following his impressive performance for the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, where he had a hand in four of the six goals scored by the three-time AFCON winners.
Prior to his stint with the Eagles in Cameroon, the former Levante star had been in fine form for FC Nantes this season, having been involved in eight goals in 16 matches for the Ligue 1 outfit.
His profile rose further following his standout performances for the Eagles at the AFCON.
“He was very close to the move because an agreement had been reached verbally (with Leeds) and he wanted the move,” one of the player’s intermedies, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“But the offers fell short of what Nantes wanted.”
When our correspondent asked how much the Ligue 1 club demanded for Simon, our source replied, “Nantes wanted £8m and they showed more desire to keep him and in a way shows how important he is to the club.”
Simon, who has two and a half years left on his current deal with the Yellow Canaries, added that despite the botched move, he is hopeful of playing in the Premier League.
“I still dream of playing in the EPL someday,” Simon told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“And I believe everything will work well for my good. When it is time, I will make the move. I didn’t expect we will crash out of the tournament so early but that happens in football.”
The tricky winger is expected to be in action when Nantes takes on Strasbourg in a French Ligue 1 clash on Sunday.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
