Crystal Palace make a dramatic Fofana bid to hijack Sunderland’s £29m deal after the Lyon winger completes his medical

Crystal Palace, managed by Pierre Sage, made a dramatic late move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana in London on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, attempting to hijack Sunderland’s proposed £29 million transfer after the 21-year-old Belgian had already completed his medical with Sunderland.

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The unexpected intervention has thrown a deal that appeared close to completion into fresh uncertainty on the final day of the summer transfer window.

ESPN reported that Crystal Palace were optimistic about securing Fofana, while L’Équipe confirmed that Palace had entered the negotiations with an improved offer.

Fabrizio Romano first reported the late development, saying: “Malick Fofana has completed his medical at Sunderland… and Crystal Palace have just sent a bid to Olympique Lyon.”

Romano added that Palace were attempting to offer better conditions than the package Sunderland had agreed with Lyon, worth €30 million plus €5 million in potential add-ons.

Sunderland had appeared to win the race earlier in the day after reaching an agreement with Lyon for Fofana.

L’Équipe reported that the proposed transfer could exceed €35 million including bonuses, with the player expected to sign a five-year contract after completing his medical.

Fofana’s completed medical makes Palace’s intervention particularly striking. The Belgian had already travelled to England with permission from Lyon and appeared to be on the verge of joining Sunderland before the London club returned with a stronger proposal.

The Palace move also carries an intriguing personal connection. Sage previously worked with Fofana at Lyon and has reportedly spoken directly with the winger as Palace seek to persuade him to change his destination at the last moment.

Fofana has developed into one of Lyon’s most valuable young players since joining from Gent in January 2024. The 21-year-old has made 84 appearances for the French club, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists, according to recent transfer reporting.

His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, including Arsenal, but the Gunners ultimately chose not to meet Lyon’s financial demands. L’Équipe reported that Arsenal had been involved in negotiations but did not agree to the French club’s valuation and proposed sell-on conditions.

Fofana’s current season has also helped reinforce his appeal. The winger has scored twice in six appearances for Lyon across competitions, having returned to regular action after a difficult period with an ankle injury.

There is also important financial context behind Lyon’s willingness to sell. The club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has increased pressure to generate significant transfer income, making Fofana one of the most important assets available for a major sale.

Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca had previously acknowledged the possibility of Fofana leaving while making clear that he would have preferred to keep the winger.

“From my side, naturally, I would have liked Malick to stay, but we have to consider the period the club is going through,” Fonseca said.

Fofana had also expressed a desire to remain at Lyon if the club qualified for the Champions League.

That ambition changed after Lyon were eliminated by Fenerbahçe in the qualifying play-offs, leaving the winger’s future increasingly open.

The late Crystal Palace Fofana bid has therefore transformed what looked like a straightforward Sunderland transfer into one of the most intriguing stories of deadline day.

Sunderland still have the advantage of having completed Fofana’s medical, but Palace’s improved proposal has created a final twist.

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With the transfer window closing, the next decision from Lyon and Fofana could determine whether the promising Belgian heads to the north-east or changes course for south London.