Sunderland Agree Deal With Lyon for Winger Malick Fofana

Sunderland have agreed a deal with Lyon for winger Malick Fofana worth just under £30 million, according to BBC Sport. The 21-year-old is travelling to England for a medical and is expected to sign a five-year contract. The agreement takes the move close to completion, although Sunderland have not yet confirmed Fofana as a new signing.

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BBC Sport reports that Sunderland will pay an initial £25.6 million for the Belgium forward. A further £4.3 million could follow through add-ons, taking the potential total to £29.9 million. Those figures place most of the agreed value in the guaranteed payment while leaving a smaller portion dependent on the additional terms.

Fofana is understood to be excited by the prospect of joining Sunderland before the club begins its first European campaign in 51 years. The Black Cats qualified for the Europa League, adding a continental competition to their 2026-27 schedule. His expected arrival would therefore come as Sunderland prepare to compete on both domestic and European fronts.

The report says Arsenal had also attempted to sign Fofana. However, the reigning Premier League champions were unable to agree a fee with Lyon. Sunderland have now reached terms with the French club, with the medical and proposed contract the remaining steps identified in the report before the transfer can be completed.

Fofana began his senior career at KAA Gent before joining Lyon in 2024. He scored two goals and supplied one assist during an injury-hit 2025-26 season, according to BBC Sport. The reported move would take him from the French top flight to Sunderland in the Premier League if the remaining steps are completed.

The proposed Fofana transfer comes alongside another expected Sunderland addition. Austria defender Kevin Danso is due to arrive from Tottenham on an initial loan that includes an option to buy. On the field, Sunderland beat Fulham on Sunday after losing their opening game of the season at Ipswich, giving them one win from their first two reported league fixtures.