Crystal Palace hijack Sunderland's move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana
Quick Look
- Crystal Palace have made a bid to hijack Sunderland's agreed transfer for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, who has agreed personal terms with Sunderland but is now deciding between the two clubs after being offered a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
- The deal would cost an initial £25.6m with £4.3m in potential add-ons.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Malick Fofana had agreed personal terms to join Sunderland in a deal worth just under £30m, with the club having qualified for the Europa League for the first time in 51 years. Crystal Palace have since made a competing offer, and Arsenal previously attempted to sign him but failed to agree a fee with Lyon.
Crystal Palace are attempting to hijack Sunderland's move for Lyon's Malick Fofana.
The winger had agreed to join Sunderland in a deal worth just under £30m but Palace have made their own proposal.
It is now up to the the 21-year-old to decide as he travels to England for a medical, having been offered a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
Any deal for the Belgium forward would cost an initial £25.6m, with a potential £4.3m in add-ons.
Fofana was understood to be excited by the prospect of joining Sunderland before their first European campaign in 51 years, having qualified for the Europa League, but Palace have also qualified for the same competition.
Arsenal also attempted to sign Fofana, but the Premier League champions were unable to agree a fee with Lyon.
Fofana began his career at KAA Gent before joining the Ligue 1 side in 2024.
If he joins Sunderland, Fofana would sign alongside Kevin Danso, with the Austria defender due to arrive from Tottenham on an initial loan with an option to buy.
Sunderland have also signed defenders Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, and midfielder Jules Ahoka, this summer after finishing seventh in their first season back in the top flight.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Malick Fofana will choose between Sunderland and Crystal Palace following his medical in England
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Which club will Malick Fofana ultimately choose?
- What are the exact terms of Crystal Palace's offer?
- Will Sunderland match or improve their offer to secure Fofana's signature?
