Malick Fofana: Chelsea and Liverpool eye cut-rate move for winger after Lyon ousted from Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Lyon slammed the decision as ‘incomprehensible’

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Chelsea and Liverpool could look to expedite a bargain deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana after the French club were provisionally relegated on Tuesday.

The seven-time Ligue 1 champions, co-owned by Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor, were demoted to Ligue 2 due to their sorry financial state.

French football's financial watchdog (DNCG) confirmed the decision after Lyon failed to convince authorities that their economic struggles had been rectified.

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Premier League sides could stand to profit from the DNCG’s decree, though, not least as it improves Crystal Palace’s chances of confirming their spot in next season’s Europa League.

But the decision also opens the door for Chelsea and Liverpool to raid the Lyon squad. Both sides had shown an interest in left-footed winger Fofana, and could likely cut a favourable deal following Olympique’s relegation.

The two clubs have enquired as to his availability and were reportedly quoted a fee of £60m, but that price will likely fall as Lyon look to improve their rocky financial standing through player sales.

Fofana signed to Lyon from Gent last summer, hitting 15 goals in 62 appearances since. He made his senior Belgium debut in a 2-2 draw away to Italy in October 2024, replacing Man City’s Jeremy Doku to make a brief cameo.

Lyon have already made a raft of sales this summer, sending Rayan Cherki to Man City for £34m. Former Brentford and West Ham man Said Benrahama moved to NEOM SC for £10.2m.

Chelsea are targeting a new winger following Jadon Sancho’s departure and Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension, while Liverpool are looking to replace the underwhelming Federico Chiesa, who is set to leave Anfield this summer.

The Blues are also close to agreeing a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, but have shown a propensity for signing wingers in recent years and would not likely shy away from adding another.