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Sunderland not giving up on Malick Fofana pursuit
Sep 01 2026 16:47 · By onefootball.com · 4 Reads
Sunderland AFC are not giving up in the frantic race to sign Belgium international winger Malick Fofana (21), according to L’Equipe. The Black Cats thought they had a clean run at signing Fofana after agreeing a Deadline Day €35m for the in-demand left-winger. Sunderland had even booked a medical for Fofana. But earlier today, Crystal Palace looked to have hijacked their Premier League rivals’ deal in outbidding their offer, with Lyon agreeing a €39m transfer package.
The outlet reported that a phone call from Palace manager Pierre Sage – who oversaw Fofana’s development at Lyon – swayed the Belgian towards signing for the Selhurst Park. But there is another twist in the tale. L’Equipe now reports that Sunderland haven’t given up their pursuit of the left-sided winger. The Black Cats have reportedly revived the deal by offering much higher commissions to the player’s agents.
Furthermore, although Fofana is in London, he’s yet to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace, and the Eagles are currently left in the dark regarding the player’s whereabouts.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval