One More Twist: Malick Fofana To Sunderland Back On Despite Crystal Palace Hijack

Malick Fofana To Sunderland Back On After All?!

There has been no saga like Malick Fofana on deadline day today, with one more twist potentially on after an original twist earlier today according to Alex Crook of TalkSport.

#CPFC sources believe they are likely to miss out on Malick Fofana. Both them and Sunderland have agreed a fee with Lyon. The Black Cats have also approached Frankfurt today re Jean-Matteo Bahoya @talkSPORT

— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) September 1, 2026

Sunderland had agreed a deal for Fofana in the morning worth a total of €35 million, and it seemed like the 21-year-old Belgian winger was on his way to the Stadium of Light after initially being the subject of transfer interest from Arsenal.

However, it emerged that Crystal Palace had entered negotiations for Fofana with Lyon, and had offered the same amount as the Black Cats, giving Fofana the chance to sign for either with both able to offer UEFA Europa League football.

It appeared Fofana may have been leaning towards a move to South London, but now Sunderland could be back leading the race. With Crystal Palace now feeling Sunderland are in pole position once more to bring Fofana to the North East.

The winger has become available at a cut price due to Lyon's failure to qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, and impressed in the 2024/25 season scoring 11 goals for the French side - however the 25/26 campaign saw Fofana struggle with injury and needed surgery on his ankle which restricted his appearances to just 16 in all competitions.

It remains to be seen where Fofana will end up, but reports suggest it could well be Sunderland once more...