Crystal Palace are attempting to hijack the transfer of Malick Fofana from Lyon to Sunderland, with the player already completing a medical with the Black Cats.
Crystal Palace have entered the race for Malick Fofana from Olympique Lyon despite the winger having already completed a medical with Sunderland.
The 21y/o Belgian winger had been the subject of intense late interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Sunderland.
The Black Cats will be competing in the Europa League with Palace this season, and Pierre Sage’s side have swooped in with the hopes they can entice Fofana to London instead of Sunderland.
Fofana hijack is fully on!
This isn’t some weak rumour, this hijack is fully on. Santi Aouna broke the news before both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein also got in on the act.
The 2024/25 campaign saw Fofana register 11 goals and 5 assists in 41 games under Sage, and the manager’s presence in South London is likely to be a huge factor if Palace are able to pull this off.
Sunderland had agreed a deal with Lyon for the signing just a few hours ago for a fee in the region of €30m plus add ons, and has already completed his medical at the club.
Now, Palace have swooped in and offered €30m + €5m in add ons as they look to hijack the move and leave Sunderland disappointed.
Sage wants to reunite with highly rated youngster
Pierre Sage and Malick Fofana together at Lyon Fofana has been at the centre of attention from many big clubs across Europe, and is an extremely exciting young player. Lyon signed Fofana from KAA Gent for €19.5m back in 2024, and has enjoyed consistent development in France.
Sage and Palace are pushing for the move and will hope they can convince him to make the swap at the last minute.
It's our understanding that Sage is desperate for this deal to be completed.
