Malick Fofana to join Sunderland in deal worth just under £30m

Sunderland have agreed a deal worth just under £30m to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana, the 21-year-old Belgium forward, the report said on 1 September 2026.

Fofana scored two goals and provided one assist in an injury-hit 2025-26 season. He began his career at KAA Gent before moving to Lyon in 2024, and Arsenal — the Premier League champions — attempted to sign him but were unable to agree a fee with Lyon. Fofana is understood to be excited by the prospect of joining Sunderland ahead of their first European campaign in 51 years, having qualified for the Europa League.

The fee structure for the transfer comprises an initial £25.6m with a potential £4.3m in add-ons, accounting for the figure described as just under £30m.

Fofana is set to link up with Kevin Danso at Sunderland; the Austria defender is due to arrive from Tottenham on an initial loan with an option to buy. Sunderland have also added defenders Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, plus midfielder Jules Ahoka, during the same summer transfer period after finishing seventh in their first season back in the top flight.

On the field, Sunderland began the 2026-27 season with a defeat at Ipswich before posting a victory over Fulham on Sunday.

Fofana is travelling to England for a medical and is expected to sign a five-year contract to complete the move.