Malick Fofana chooses Sunderland after OL transfer drama

Malick Fofana will leave Olympique Lyonnais for Sunderland after choosing the English club over Crystal Palace. The decision ends a day of uncertainty around the 21-year-old Belgian international and gives OL a significant transfer sale as the club looks to raise funds following its elimination in the Champions League play-off round.

The deal is expected to be worth between €35 million and €40 million, roughly twice the amount Lyon paid to sign Fofana from La Gantoise in 2024. The transfer had been complicated by disputes over agent commissions, while both Sunderland and Crystal Palace had secured the player’s agreement at different stages. Fofana also underwent a medical without initially knowing which club he would join.

Sunderland had been in the strongest position earlier in the day before Palace entered the negotiations, but Fofana ultimately gave his final approval to the Black Cats. He will now move to the north of England and begin his Premier League career. Fofana’s physical qualities and ability to unsettle defences helped attract interest from both clubs, while strong performances in England could increase his profile among leading Premier League sides.