Sunderland sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana in 40 million deal | OneFootball

Sunderland sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana in 40 million deal | OneFootball

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·2 September 2026

Sunderland sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana in 40 million deal

Article image:Sunderland sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana in 40 million deal

Sunderland have completed the signing of Belgium international winger Malick Fofana, 21, from Lyon. The agreement is worth 40 million, comprising 35 million up front and 5 million in add-ons, and Lyon negotiated a sell-on clause.

According to Get French Football News, Arsenal explored a move but would not meet Lyon’s valuation. Crystal Palace also tried to hijack the deal, with Pierre Sage attempting to persuade his former player to head to Selhurst Park.


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Sunderland had been in talks with Lyon and the player’s representatives throughout the final stages of the transfer window.

Fofana joined Lyon from Gent in January 2024 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most exciting attacking players.

His departure is a significant loss for Lyon, who were forced to sell after missing out on the UEFA Champions League. Fofana could make his Premier League debut against Brentford on Saturday.

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

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