Crystal Palace hijack Sunderland's £30m Fofana deal
Sunderland is set to sign winger Malick Fofana from Lyon for 30 million euros, despite a late attempt by Crystal Palace to hijack the deal. The 21-year-old Belgian player is expected to join the club ahead of their upcoming Europa League campaign.
Why it matters
The transfer reflects the competitive nature of the Premier League transfer market and Sunderland's ambition following their return to top-flight football.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Malick Fofana scored two goals and provided one assist in an injury-hit 2025-26 season
Sunderland are set to beat Crystal Palace to the signing of Malick Fofana from Lyon for 30m euros (£25.7m).
Sunderland had agreed a deal earlier before Palace made their own proposal, but the Black Cats are expected to sign the 21-year-old Belgium winger.
The deal is understood to now be at the paperwork stage.
Fofana is understood to be excited by the prospect of joining Sunderland before their first European campaign in 51 years, having qualified for the Europa League, although Palace have also qualified for the same competition.
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