Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a potential bargain deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana following the French club`s provisional relegation to Ligue 2 on Tuesday.
Olympique Lyonnais, a club that has won Ligue 1 seven times and is co-owned by Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor, was demoted due to its precarious financial condition. The decision was confirmed by French football`s financial regulatory body, the DNCG, which was not satisfied that Lyon had rectified its economic problems.
The DNCG`s ruling could create opportunities for Premier League clubs, including potentially benefiting Crystal Palace`s chances for a Europa League spot next season. More directly, it opens the door for sides like Chelsea and Liverpool to acquire Lyon players at potentially reduced prices.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have previously expressed interest in the left-footed Belgian winger, Fofana. While an initial transfer fee of around £60 million was reportedly quoted, that price is now expected to decrease significantly as Lyon will likely need to sell players to improve their financial stability.
Fofana joined Lyon from Gent last summer. He has since made 62 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals. He made his senior international debut for Belgium in October 2024, coming on as a substitute in a match against Italy.
Lyon has already made several player sales this summer, including Rayan Cherki`s £34 million move to Manchester City and Said Benrahama`s £10.2 million transfer to NEOM SC, indicating the club`s need to generate funds.
Chelsea are in the market for a winger following Jadon Sancho`s departure and Mykhailo Mudryk`s suspension. Although they are reportedly close to signing Borussia Dortmund`s Jamie Gittens, the club has frequently added multiple wingers in recent transfer windows and may not shy away from pursuing Fofana as well.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is seeking reinforcements on the wing as Federico Chiesa is anticipated to leave Anfield this summer, making Fofana a potential target to fill that void.
