Arsenal pursue Lyon winger Malick Fofana as RB Leipzig deal collapses before deadline
Arsenal are in talks to sign 19-year-old Lyon winger Malick Fofana as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, with Fofana agreeing personal terms. A deal with RB Leipzig has collapsed. However, Arsenal refuse to meet Lyon's €40 million asking price, and negotiations continue as the transfer window closes. Fofana is keen on the move, having rejected Crystal Palace for Champions League ambitions.
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Malick Fofana chooses Sunderland over Crystal Palace after deadline day transfer saga
On transfer deadline day, 21-year-old Belgian winger Malick Fofana moved from Lyon to Sunderland for £30 million after a dramatic saga involving Crystal Palace. The Athletic reports that both Premier League clubs organized joint medical examinations for the player, who spent the day at home playing video games while negotiations unfolded. Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, who previously worked with Fofana at Lyon, tried to convince him to join the south London club, but Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus flew to Lyon to meet the player. Fofana suffered a serious ankle injury in October 2025 and underwent surgery, missing five months of last season. Despite medical concerns from Crystal Palace, Sunderland remained confident. The player ultimately decided to join Sunderland at 9 PM, allowing the club to submit deal confirmation before the 11 PM deadline. Fofana is expected to be available for Sunderland's away match against Brentford on Saturday.
Malick Fofana chooses Sunderland over Crystal Palace after dramatic transfer deadline day
French media L'Équipe reports on the dramatic transfer deadline day saga of Lyon winger Malick Fofana. The 21-year-old Belgian initially favored Arsenal but the Gunners declined to meet Lyon's €40 million asking price. Sunderland moved quickly, agreeing a €35 million deal with Lyon, and Fofana prepared to leave. However, Crystal Palace then intervened with a €39 million offer and enlisted former Lyon coach Pierre Sage to persuade the player. The agency Roc Nation, which employs Fofana's influential uncle, leveraged the bidding war to secure better terms. Fofana underwent a medical examination unsure of his destination, as Lyon faced an 8 PM deadline to sell him to register a replacement. The deal was not completed in time, triggering consequences for Lyon. Ultimately, Fofana chose Sunderland, passing his medical and flying to the club, delighting French coach Régis Le Bris who gains a talented left winger.
Read sourceSunderland signs 21-year-old Lyon winger Malik Fofana; Crystal Palace hijack fails
Sunderland has officially announced the signing of Belgian winger Malik Fofana from Lyon for a reported fee of €30 million fixed plus €5 million in add-ons. The 21-year-old, known for his speed and dribbling, has signed a long-term contract and becomes the Black Cats' fifth summer signing. Fofana, who primarily operates as a left-sided attacker, made 82 appearances for Lyon, scoring 18 goals and providing 6 assists. He has represented Belgium at various youth levels and made his senior national team debut in October 2024. Sunderland Sporting Director Florent Ghisolfi praised Fofana's potential and versatility. The transfer was complicated by a late attempt from Crystal Palace to hijack the deal on deadline day, which caused Fofana to change his mind multiple times and resulted in increased salary and agent fees. Fofana expressed his desire to fulfill his Premier League dream.
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Malick Fofana completes transfer to Sunderland, club statement expected
According to reliable sources, Malick Fofana has completed his transfer to Sunderland. The deal is reported as final, with the official signature already made. A club statement is expected to be released shortly, confirming the move. The post, shared on X, cites unnamed reliable sources and addresses two other users, indicating the information is being circulated among football transfer news followers. No further details about the transfer fee, contract length, or player background are provided in the source item.
Read sourceSunderland Submits Deal Sheet for Last-Minute £31 Million Signing of Malick Fofana
On September 2, Hupu News reported that Sunderland has submitted a Deal Sheet to the Premier League in a last-minute effort to complete the signing of Malick Fofana from Lyon. The transfer, valued at £31 million, is being handled by Daily Mail chief reporter Craig Hope, who indicates that relevant procedures are still ongoing. However, all parties involved are optimistic that the deal will ultimately be finalized. The news was sourced from X (formerly Twitter) and published on Hupu's soccer section, a Chinese sports community platform. The report highlights Sunderland's aggressive move to secure the young talent before the transfer window closes, with the club aiming to bolster its squad for the upcoming season. The deal sheet submission is a procedural step to extend negotiations beyond the deadline, reflecting the urgency and high stakes of the transfer market.
Read sourceSunderland beats Crystal Palace to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana for €35 million
Sunderland has secured the signing of Lyon winger Malick Fofana for a total fee of €35 million (approximately £29.9 million), beating Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in the transfer race. The 21-year-old Belgian international completed a medical and will sign a five-year contract, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until 2031. The deal includes a base fee of €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons. Crystal Palace had attempted to hijack the transfer, with manager Pierre Sage—who coached Fofana at Lyon from 2023 to 2025—playing a key role in their interest. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Everton had also shown interest in the winger. Fofana, who came through Genk's academy, has scored 19 goals and provided 8 assists in 84 appearances for Lyon. Despite an ankle injury limiting him to 16 appearances last season, he has scored 2 goals in 6 games this season. Sunderland, with 3 points from their first two Premier League matches, will face Brentford away this Saturday.
Read sourceMalick Fofana Backs Out Again After Twice Agreeing to Join Crystal Palace and Sunderland
According to a breaking report by Santi Aouna at 9:26 PM on September 2nd, Lyon forward Malick Fofana's transfer situation remains unresolved as the transfer window nears its close. Neither Crystal Palace nor Sunderland knows which club the player will ultimately join. The player has made multiple commitments today, expressing his intention to join both Crystal Palace and Sunderland twice each, only to back out each time. This has left both clubs uncertain about his final destination. The report, sourced from X and published by Hupu Football News, highlights the chaotic nature of deadline-day transfers. The article notes that the transfer window closes in less than three hours, adding urgency to the situation. Fofana's repeated changes of heart have frustrated both clubs and fans, with comments on the article expressing disbelief at his indecisiveness.
Read sourceReporter Confirms Malick Fofana Has Chosen to Join Sunderland in Final Decision
Swiss Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri has reported that Belgian footballer Malick Fofana has definitively chosen to join Sunderland. The announcement, made via social media platform X and covered by Hupu Football News on September 2nd, states that Fofana's decision is final and will not change. The report closes the matter, indicating a completed transfer agreement. The news was published on Hupu, a Chinese sports community platform, and has garnered initial reader reactions, including comments suggesting Crystal Palace may have avoided a negative outcome and a humorous remark about Fofana choosing Sunderland based on Premier League standings. The transfer involves a player moving to an English football club, marking a significant career move for the Belgian.
Read sourceMalick Fofana Completes Medical, Close to €40 Million Sunderland Move
According to Sky Sports, as reported by Hupu on September 2nd, Lyon attacker Malick Fofana has completed his medical and is now close to joining Sunderland for a transfer fee of €40 million. The medical has been finalized, indicating the deal is in its advanced stages. The news was sourced from X (formerly Twitter) and published on the Hupu soccer community platform, where it garnered over 1,000 reads. The report does not specify the duration of the contract or other terms, but the substantial fee suggests a significant investment by Sunderland. The transfer window context and the player's position as an attacker highlight Sunderland's intent to strengthen their squad. The article includes a user comment expressing disbelief, but the core news is presented as a factual update from a reputable sports news source.
Read sourceDi Marzio: Youssouf Fofana's Lyon Transfer Collapses Over Malick Fofana Delay
According to Italian Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana's transfer to Lyon has failed because Lyon could not sell winger Malick Fofana in time. The French football financial regulator DNCG imposed strict restrictions on Lyon's player registrations, blocking the deal. Malick Fofana delayed his choice between Crystal Palace and Sunderland, preventing Lyon from completing the sale. Consequently, the DNCG refused to approve Youssouf Fofana's contract, forcing Lyon to withdraw. With the French option closed, AC Milan must find a new destination for Fofana. Turkish club Besiktas, whose transfer window remains open, is monitoring the situation and may launch a new bid for the midfielder.
Read sourceReporter: Fofana Changed Mind Over Sunderland Transfer Due to Agent Commission
Independent investigative journalist Romain Molina reported on social media that Malick Fofana suddenly changed his decision between joining Crystal Palace and Sunderland, attributing the shift to Sunderland promising a higher commission to the player's agent. Molina detailed that Sunderland's owner personally went to the hospital to ensure Fofana completed his medical examination. He further noted that Roc Nation, which employs Fofana's uncle, played a role in the decision, as the uncle spoke with his nephew. Molina advised observers not to look for reasons related to the coach or the project, but rather to see what each party surrounding the player ultimately gains. The report, sourced from X and published by Hupu Football News on September 1st, highlights the influence of financial incentives in football transfers.
Read sourceSunderland Again Attempts to Hijack Malick Fofana Transfer Deal, Reports Foot Mercato
According to Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna, the transfer of Lyon target Malick Fofana has taken another dramatic turn. After initially reaching an agreement with Sunderland, the player then agreed terms with Crystal Palace. However, Sunderland has now made a renewed attempt to hijack the deal, creating a new twist in the transfer saga. The report, published by Hupu on September 1st, describes the situation as 'unbelievable' and notes that the outcome remains uncertain. The article cites Santi Aouna's post on X (formerly Twitter) as the source, indicating that Sunderland is once again trying to secure the player's signature despite Crystal Palace's earlier agreement. The transfer window deadline may be approaching, adding urgency to the negotiations.
Read sourceMalick Fofana at Lyon Airport with Two Private Planes Awaiting Transfer Decision
On September 1, 2024, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reported that Belgian winger Malick Fofana was at Lyon Airport about an hour ago, with two private planes waiting for him to make a decision on his next club. One plane is bound for London and the other for Sunderland. Both Crystal Palace and Sunderland have reached agreements with Lyon for the player, valued at around £30 million. Recent reports indicate Fofana is likely to join Crystal Palace, with L'Équipe reporting a total transfer fee of €39 million. The news was sourced from X and published by Hupu Soccer.
Read sourceCrystal Palace and Lyon Agree on 39 Million Euro Transfer for Malick Fofana
According to L'Équipe reporter Hugo Guillemet, as reported by Hupu on September 1st, French club Lyon and English Premier League side Crystal Palace have reached an agreement for the transfer of Belgian winger Malick Fofana. The total fee is 39 million euros, including bonuses. Crystal Palace made a late intervention to secure the player, who had previously agreed to join Sunderland for around 35 million euros. The turning point was a phone call from Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, who previously coached Fofana at Lyon, convincing the 21-year-old to move to London instead. Crystal Palace's offer also includes the opportunity to play in the Europa League. While the deal is close, Sunderland and Arsenal remain interested, and further developments are possible before the transfer window closes at 8 PM tonight. Lyon is satisfied as the fee approaches their valuation.
Read sourceFM: Malick Fofana One Step Away from Joining Crystal Palace Unless Reversal
According to an exclusive report by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Lyon winger Malick Fofana is now just one step away from joining Crystal Palace. The Premier League club has reached an agreement with both Lyon and the player himself, hijacking the deal from Sunderland, who had previously secured a full agreement for Fofana's transfer. The decisive factor was the persuasion of Pierre Sage, which tilted the situation in Crystal Palace's favor. The report states that unless there is a new twist, Fofana will move to Crystal Palace. The news was published on Hupu Soccer, citing the original source from X (formerly Twitter). The transfer window deadline adds urgency to the deal, which involves a young winger moving from Ligue 1 to the Premier League.
Crystal Palace Attempts to Hijack Malick Fofana Transfer from Sunderland with €37 Million Bid
According to RMC reporter Fabrice Hawkins, the transfer of Malick Fofana has taken a dramatic turn. The player is currently in London and was originally expected to join Sunderland, but Crystal Palace is now attempting to hijack the deal. Crystal Palace has reached an agreement with Lyon for a transfer package worth approximately €37 million. Lyon coach Pierre Sage has directly spoken with Fofana to convince the player to join Crystal Palace. This development comes after previous reports from Fabrizio Romano indicated that Sunderland had agreed a deal with Lyon worth €30 million plus add-ons for the player. The situation remains fluid as Fofana decides his next move.
Read sourceCrystal Palace Hijacks Sunderland's Deal for Lyon Winger Malick Fofana
According to The Athletic UK's David Ornstein, Crystal Palace is attempting to hijack Sunderland's transfer for Lyon winger Malick Fofana. Sunderland had earlier reached an agreement with Lyon for the 21-year-old Belgian international, with a total deal value exceeding 30 million euros (approximately 25.7 million pounds). Crystal Palace has now matched those terms. The London club's interest is driven by manager Pierre Sage, who coached Lyon from 2023 to 2025 and originally signed Fofana. Before Crystal Palace's intervention, Fofana had been given permission to undergo a medical at Sunderland and was preparing to sign a five-year contract with a one-year extension option. Additionally, Arsenal had considered signing Fofana on Monday, as the player was on their scouting list and had communicated with manager Mikel Arteta.
Read sourceLyon agrees to release Malick Fofana; Crystal Palace moves to hijack Sunderland deal
French media L'Équipe's renowned journalist Hugo Guillemet reports in a breaking story that with just hours left before the transfer window closes, Malick Fofana is set to play in the Premier League, but which club he will join remains undecided. Although Lyon had previously allowed the left winger to move to Sunderland, a higher offer from Crystal Palace may prompt the Belgian player to head to London instead. The report, published on September 1st, indicates a late twist in the transfer saga as Crystal Palace swoops in to hijack Sunderland's deal for the Lyon winger. The outcome hinges on Fofana's decision and the clubs' final negotiations before the deadline.
Read sourceSunderland Signs Malick Fofana for €30 Million Plus Add-Ons, Romano Confirms
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland has reached a verbal agreement with Lyon to sign Malick Fofana for a fee of €30 million plus add-ons. The 19-year-old winger is en route to undergo a medical examination with the Championship club. Romano's 'Here we go' confirmation indicates the deal is imminent. The report also notes that Arsenal, previously linked with Fofana, never intended to meet Lyon's asking price of €35-40 million. Earlier reports from Santi J FM and David Ornstein had also linked Sunderland to the player. The transfer represents a significant investment for Sunderland as they aim to strengthen their squad for the current season.
Read sourceSunderland Agrees Deal to Sign Lyon Winger Malick Fofana for Five-Year Contract
Sunderland has reached an agreement to sign 21-year-old Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to a DO Exclusive report. The Belgian international has been given permission to travel to northeast England for a medical, after which he will sign a five-year contract until 2031. The deal is progressing smoothly and is expected to be finalized before the transfer deadline on Tuesday evening. Arsenal had also considered signing Fofana, who was on their scouting list and had communicated with manager Mikel Arteta. Sunderland, competing in this season's Europa League, has already strengthened with full-backs Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, and midfielder Jules Ahoka. The club prioritized forward reinforcements, exploring moves for Igor Paixao and Jack Grealish, though Grealish appears set to return to Everton. Fofana has made six appearances for Lyon this season, scoring two goals, including one in the Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce. In two and a half years at Lyon, he made 83 appearances and scored 19 goals. Chelsea and Everton previously showed interest. Fofana debuted for Belgium's senior team in October 2024 and has five caps, scoring his first international goal in a World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein. He came through Gent's academy, making 64 appearances before his €17 million transfer to Lyon in January 2024.
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