Sunderland explore Malick Fofana move as Lyon weigh late-window sale

Sunderland have stepped up their search for another wide attacker by exploring a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with the Belgium international emerging as one of the club’s late options before the transfer deadline.

The Guardian reports that Sunderland are interested in the 21-year-old, while Sky Sports has separately reported that the Premier League club have asked about his availability.

No formal bid or agreement with Lyon has yet been reported.

That distinction is important in a market where Fofana’s future has become increasingly fluid.

Lyon entered the closing days of the window under significant financial pressure after missing out on Champions League qualification. L’Équipe reported that the French club need to generate further transfer income and identified Fofana as one of the players most likely to leave before the deadline.

Sunderland’s interest therefore arrives at a moment when Lyon are more open to a major sale than they might ordinarily have been.

Fofana fits the profile of the attacking player Régis Le Bris still wants to add.

He is naturally suited to the left side but can operate across the front line, with his acceleration and ability to attack defenders directly giving him a profile different from a more possession-oriented winger.

His most productive season for Lyon came in 2024-25, when he scored 11 goals in all competitions. Last season was disrupted by injuries, limiting him to 16 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Europa League, but he has started the new campaign strongly with two goals in six matches across domestic and European competition.

The Belgian also already possesses significant European experience for his age.

He scored six times during Lyon’s 2024-25 Europa League campaign and has since featured in Champions League qualifying, giving Sunderland a player accustomed to operating beyond domestic competition as Le Bris prepares his squad for a Europa League season of their own.

There is competition around the player.

Foot Mercato has reported that Fofana rejected an approach from Hull City after the newly promoted Premier League club explored a deal worth around €35 million. His representatives have also sounded out other destinations, while Roma have maintained interest.

That leaves Sunderland with a potentially attractive opportunity, but not yet a straightforward negotiation.

Lyon have a financial incentive to sell.

Fofana has significant market interest.

And Sunderland are actively looking for another winger.

What is still missing is the step that would turn those circumstances into a transfer: a formal Sunderland offer acceptable to Lyon and a clear indication from the player that the Stadium of Light is his preferred destination.

For now, the development is that Sunderland have moved Fofana onto their active shortlist and made enquiries over a deal.

Whether that becomes a genuine deadline negotiation will depend on how quickly they are prepared to move from interest to a concrete bid.