Liverpool and Chelsea ‘interested’ in signing wonderkid | OneFootball

Malick Fofana Confirms Chelsea and Liverpool Interest Amid Tottenham Warning

Chelsea’s transfer strategy continues to generate headlines, and this week it was Malick Fofana who openly addressed Premier League speculation. As reported by James Holland of TeamTalk, the 20-year-old winger admitted there was genuine interest from both Chelsea and Liverpool during the summer window.

Rising Star in Ligue 1

Fofana’s rapid rise has been impressive. After breaking through at Gent, he moved to Lyon in January 2024. Since then, the Belgian international has contributed 16 goals and eight assists in 65 appearances. Last season alone, he scored 11 times and provided six assists in 41 outings, with standout performances against Manchester United and Rangers in Europe.

His progress has inevitably caught the eye of England’s elite. Chelsea identified him as a potential replacement for wide players such as Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk, while Liverpool viewed him as an option to cover the departure of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich.

Fofana on Chelsea and Liverpool

The winger himself confirmed: “There was interest from those two clubs, but ultimately nothing concrete. I’ve considered a transfer, but now I think it’s more important that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have some progress to make.”

Despite Chelsea opting for Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, and Liverpool turning to Hugo Ekitike, the door appears far from closed. Tottenham are also circling for 2026, but Fofana’s own words suggest Chelsea and Liverpool may return to the table.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool Connection and Lyon’s Dilemma

Interestingly, Fofana’s agent previously revealed that his “choice of heart would be Liverpool”, which could give Arne Slot’s side an advantage in future negotiations. Lyon, meanwhile, face their own challenges. Despite being reinstated to Ligue 1 after a relegation scare linked to financial instability, they may struggle to resist a sizeable Premier League bid.

Transfer Outlook

With a contract running until 2028, Lyon are reportedly demanding €50-60m (£43-52m). However, should financial pressures persist, Chelsea could sense an opportunity to revisit their interest.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, this news will spark mixed emotions. On one hand, Fofana’s acknowledgement of interest validates the club’s scouting network and shows Chelsea remain active in targeting Europe’s top young talent. Yet the decision to pass on him in favour of Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho could be scrutinised if the Belgian continues his upward trajectory in Ligue 1.

Chelsea supporters will note the player’s strong connection with Liverpool. His agent’s comments about Liverpool being the “choice of heart” might concern Blues fans, who are wary of competing for targets only to see them gravitate towards Anfield. That said, Chelsea’s project under Enzo Maresca may appeal to Fofana should he seek a club willing to give him immediate responsibility on the flanks.

Ultimately, while Liverpool may be Fofana’s preference, Chelsea fans would remain hopeful that their club’s ambition, resources, and need for a consistent left-sided attacker could swing any future deal in their favour. For now, it’s a case of keeping a close eye on his development in Lyon while hoping the scouting department stays proactive.