Deadline-day madness! Sunderland try to hijack Malick Fofana deal back from Crystal Palace
The Malick Fofana transfer saga has taken yet another incredible turn.
Details: According to journalists Santi Aouna and Hugo Guillemet, Sunderland have returned with another attempt to win the race for Lyon winger Malick Fofana after Crystal Palace appeared to seize the initiative in the deal. Earlier on deadline day, Sunderland had reached an agreement over the Belgian international before Palace intervened and attempted to hijack the transfer.
The situation has now reportedly swung back once again. Guillemet claims Fofana is no longer responding to Crystal Palace, while Sunderland are trying to change the outcome of the negotiations by offering higher commissions to the player's representatives.
The battle for the 21-year-old has become one of the most dramatic stories of the final hours of the English transfer window. Multiple reports earlier on Tuesday confirmed that Sunderland had made significant progress on a deal with Lyon before Crystal Palace launched their own late move for the Belgian attacker.
For now, neither Sunderland nor Crystal Palace have officially announced the transfer, meaning the winger's final destination remains unresolved as negotiations continue.
It is worth noting that Fofana has made six appearances for Lyon in all competitions this season, scoring two goals. He joined the French club from Gent in January 2024 and remains a Belgium international.
Reminder: He has made his choice! Quinten Timber decides where he wants to play next
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
