OL set to sign France midfielder Youssouf Fofana

Youssouf Fofana is set to give Olympique Lyonnais an experienced France international as he seeks to revive his career after a difficult season at AC Milan. The 27-year-old is no longer part of Milan’s plans and will return to Ligue 1, where he previously played for Monaco.

Lyon and Milan have agreed on a loan deal that includes an option to buy. Fofana is expected to undergo his medical examination before completing the move by the end of the transfer window. He has won 25 caps for France and scored three goals, but was not selected by Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup.

The operation has been made possible by room created in Lyon’s wage bill following several departures. Malick Fofana is close to joining Crystal Palace, while Duje Caleta-Car and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have also left. Lyon is expected to cover half of the midfielder’s salary during the loan.

The signing comes as the club remains under DNCG monitoring, a year after narrowly avoiding administrative relegation. It also follows a season in which Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League, giving Fofana an opportunity to rebuild his position with Lyon.