Crystal Palace have hijacked Sunderland's deal for Malick Fofana.
Deadline day has delivered its most dramatic late twist yet, with Crystal Palace swooping to hijack Sunderland's agreed deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana. The Belgian had already undergone the formalities of agreeing personal terms on Wearside, with a medical arranged and a fee in the region of €30-35m settled, only for Palace to table a matching offer in the final hours.
Palace manager Pierre Sage managed Fofana at Lyon and has pushed hard for the club to enter the race. With Palace short of attacking spark following injuries to key forwards, and Sunderland still hopeful the lure of Europa League football wins out, the decision now sits with the player himself.
Malick Fofana Next Club Odds
Fofana has 19 goals in 83 appearances over two-and-a-half seasons, plus two goals already this campaign including a Champions League play-off strike against Fenerbahce.
Sage's personal relationship with the winger from their time together at Lyon looks the decisive factor in Palace's favour, offering a transition than a fresh project at Sunderland. Palace's need is also more pressing: with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr both missing game time, their attack has looked toothless, and a 21-year-old with sellable long-term value fits their well-established recruitment model.
Sunderland's counter is the promise of regular football and continental competition, which held real appeal before Palace entered the conversation.
Who is favourite to sign Malick Fofana?
- Crystal Palace — 3/10
- Sunderland — 15/8
- Arsenal — 11/1
The market has moved decisively behind Palace at 3/10 at Sky Bet. Sunderland drift to 15/8 despite doing the initial groundwork. Arsenal, who were offered the chance to bid on Monday but ultimately baulked at Lyon's valuation, sit at a distant 11/1; with Leandro Trossard sold and Gabriel Martinelli's Al Hilal move expected to complete, their left-wing options remain light, but their reluctance to meet the asking price so far makes a change of heart look unlikely.
