Crystal Palace works to hijack Sunderland’s move for Malick Fofana on deadline day

Transfer deadline day is delivering exactly the kind of chaos it was designed for. Crystal Palace has launched a last-ditch attempt to snatch 21-year-old Belgian winger Malick Fofana away from Sunderland, which had already reached an agreement with Lyon worth approximately £30 million.

Sunderland’s deal, which includes £25.6 million upfront and £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons, appeared all but done. Fofana was reportedly scheduled to undergo a medical and sign a five-year contract with the Black Cats, with an option for an additional year built in. Then Palace showed up with its wallet open.

A deal that was nearly sealed

Crystal Palace, according to French outlet L’Équipe, is now weighing an overbid to redirect Fofana to Selhurst Park. What makes this especially interesting is that Fofana reportedly rejected a move to Palace earlier in the summer.

Why Fofana is worth the fight

Fofana is a 21-year-old winger with prior European experience, which makes him a rare commodity at his price point. Both Crystal Palace and Sunderland are preparing for Europa League campaigns, and a player who has already tested himself in continental competition carries obvious appeal.

Arsenal had also entered the conversation earlier in the window. Manager Mikel Arteta reportedly held talks with Fofana, but the Gunners withdrew after failing to meet Lyon’s asking price, which sat in the £30-40 million range. Arsenal’s departure from the bidding effectively narrowed the field, and Sunderland moved decisively to fill the gap.

The Lyon factor

Lyon’s financial situation looms over this entire saga. The French club has been under pressure to sell players and balance the books, a situation that has made their squad a shopping aisle for Premier League clubs in recent windows. When a second bidder emerges willing to pay more, Lyon has every incentive to entertain the offer, regardless of how far along the original deal may be.

That dynamic puts Sunderland at a structural disadvantage. Even with a medical reportedly scheduled, nothing is binding until contracts are signed. If Palace offers significantly more than £30 million, Sunderland’s carefully constructed agreement could evaporate in minutes.

His earlier rejection of Palace suggests this isn’t simply a matter of the highest bidder winning. The player’s preference, his relationship with the coaching staff, the sporting project on offer: all of these factors come into play when a 21-year-old is choosing where to spend the next half-decade of his career.