Liverpool Are Set To Rival Chelsea For This Ligue 1 Winger: A Good Option For Slot? | OneFootball

In a recent report, journalist Mark Brus claimed that Liverpool are set to rival Chelsea for Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana. It has been stated that the Reds are eager to get a deal done for the Belgian wide player next year.

Fofana’s Impressive Form In French Football

Fofana has made a decent start to this campaign as he has managed to produce a few eye-catching displays on the left side of Lyon’s attack. The Belgian talent has netted two goals and grabbed one assist in nine matches for the French club this season across various competitions.

The 20-year-old has caught the eye at times on the left flank and has done well to average 2.18 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. He has kept 57.1% of his attempts on target. Fofana has also distributed the ball accurately in the final third, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 77.2% in the French top tier (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for the Reds to snap him up on the cheap next year.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 07: Malick Fofana of Belgium runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Belgium and Kazakhstan at Lotto Park on September 07, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)

Will Fofana Be A Good Option For Liverpool Boss Arne Slot?

Fofana is a good dribbler with the ball and can make some driving runs with it out in the wide areas. He has got the eye to play a few killer passes in the final third and can shoot the ball with venom from long range.

The Belgian sensation is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also play as a right-winger if asked to do so by his manager. However, he might struggle to adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Reds manage to land him next year.

Fofana would bring more firepower to Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s frontline. He is good enough to compete with Cody Gakpo for a regular first-team spot at the Merseyside club.

At 20, the future looks quite promising for the Belgian talent. Furthermore, Fofana would help the Reds challenge across all fronts in the future. Thus, he would be a great option for Liverpool to consider in the long run. All in all, Slot would be wise to get him on board in 2026.