Fulham held talks with Lyon’s Ligue 1 ace Romain Faivre but Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth have now agreed a £13 million deal.
Things went pretty quiet pretty quickly after reports emerged at the end of May – via Foot Mercato – suggesting that one of the most mercurial talents in French football could be on his way to Craven Cottage.
Fulham reportedly opened talks with FC Lorient. So too did Bournemouth.
And nearly two months later, the one-time Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United target appears to be on his way to the latter rather than the former, Bournemouth agreeing a deal which will make Romain Faivre the first big-money signing of the Andoni Iraola era on the South Coast.
The 25-year-old schemer will reportedly undergo a medical today (Daily Echo).
Bournemouth are, however, expected to loan the former Lyon man back to Lorient for the 2023/24 season, Faivre forced to wait before making his mark in red and black stripes.
Bournemouth win race for Fulham target Romain Faivre
“Romain Faivre has something few players have,” his former Monaco coach Thierry Henry says of a man who’s balletic touch and imperious vision should suit Iraola’s brand of attacking football like a hand in a glove.
“He breaks lines (with his passes).”
“He’s a boy with real potential,” adds Oliver Dall’Oglio, another of Faivre’s former bosses (Ligue1.com). “Comfortable on the ball and fast in possession. He’s got great vision too – he’s got something special.
“He rarely loses the ball. He can break through the lines by dribbling. And his passing creates so many chances for us.”
Since those reports linking Faivre with Fulham first emerged, the Cottagers appear to have turned their attention to other targets. Marco Silva’s side are closing in on a deal for Fiorentina centre-half Igor Julio, while attempting to retain the services of last season’s star men Joao Palhinha and Willian.
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