‘Incredible Scenario’ – Sunderland Fight Back Against Crystal Palace Hijack | OneFootball

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Sunderland are fighting back against Crystal Palace‘s hijack of their deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana in what has been described as an ‘incredible scenario’.

Update: According to French journalist Santi Aouna, Fofana ‘has just taken off for Sunderland’ and it appears the Black Cats have successfully hijacked Crystal Palace’s hijack.

Fofana arrived at Lyon from Belgian club Gent in the summer of 2024 and put pen to paper on a four-year contract with Les Gones.

He wasted little time impressing in French football and has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League as a result.

The 21-year-old has made six appearances so far this season and contributed to two goals, but his time at Lyon could end today.

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Earlier on deadline day, it was believed that Sunderland had beaten off competition from Arsenal to sign the Belgian winger before the transfer window shuts.

They had an agreement with Lyon and Fofana.

However, things took a turn when Crystal Palace swooped in with an offer and manager Pierre Sage played a crucial role in persuading him to pick Selhurst Park.

However, Palace’s hijack is now at risk of being hijacked by Sunderland, who are not prepared to stand by and let Fofana slip through their fingers on deadline day.

According to French journalist Santi Aouna, it is an ‘incredible scenario’ as Sunderland fight back and try to hijack Crystal Palace’s swoop.

Whether Sunderland can be successful remains to be seen, but both the Black Cats and Crystal Palace have made arrangements to fly him to England.

While Sage knows Fofana from his time at Lyon and has a good relationship with him, Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris may also be able to make a compelling case.

Regardless of which club he picks, Fofana will be able to play in the Europa League this season and so that consideration will be a minor one.

The winger must decide which club can offer him the best environment to continue to develop.

Sunderland have recently agreed to loan out winger Simon Adingra to Ajax, which could open up more space in the team for Fofana to get regular minutes.

Palace though are renowned for developing players and then selling them on to the Premier League’s big boys, which could surely appeal to Fofana.