Malick Fofana aims to help Sunderland 'do something special' after deadline day drama | OneFootball

Malick Fofana aims to help Sunderland 'do something special' after deadline day drama | OneFootball

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·4 September 2026

Malick Fofana aims to help Sunderland 'do something special' after deadline day drama

Article image:Malick Fofana aims to help Sunderland 'do something special' after deadline day drama

Malick Fofana says he wants to help Sunderland make a mark after completing a long-term move to Wearside. The former Lyon winger joined in a deal worth an initial €30 million, which could rise by €5 million and become a club record.

Sunderland beat Crystal Palace to his signature after a dramatic deadline day. According to Sunderland Echo, Palace almost hijacked an agreement before owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus intervened and Fofana recommitted to the move.


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With Regis Le Bris’ side competing on several fronts including the Europa League, Fofana said he is excited, felt wanted and is eager to start after a hectic 48 hours. He believes his Europa League experience and creative style can lift the team and entertain supporters.

He described the Premier League as a new experience and hopes it is a great season. He added that with this squad they can do something special.

Sunderland’s summer rebuild has brought six senior additions. Thomas Meunier signed on a free from Lille to add experience, height and flexibility on the right of defence, and Dayann Méthalie arrived from Toulouse for a reported £25.7 million including add-ons.

Jules Ahoka joined from Royal Antwerp for around £8 million, while Kevin Danso came on loan from Tottenham with an obligation to buy if performance conditions are met, understood to be linked to avoiding relegation. Ecuador striker Juan Riquelme Angulo, 18, signed from Independiente del Valle for a reported £5 million as a development player.

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”

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