Liverpool and Chelsea ‘interested’ in signing wonderkid

Malick Fofana, the 20-year-old Belgian winger currently at Lyon, has publicly confirmed that both Chelsea and Liverpool showed genuine interest in signing him during the recent summer transfer window. Fofana, who moved to Lyon from Gent in January 2024, has recorded 16 goals and eight assists in 65 appearances, including 11 goals and six assists last season alone, with notable performances in European competitions.

Chelsea identified Fofana as a potential replacement for wide attackers like Jadon Sancho or Mykhailo Mudryk, while Liverpool considered him as cover for the possible departure of Luis Díaz. Despite the interest, Fofana stated that no concrete offers materialized, and he believes it is currently more important for his development to play regularly at Lyon. Although Chelsea eventually signed Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, and Liverpool pursued Hugo Ekitike, both clubs may revisit a move in the future, with Tottenham also monitoring the situation for 2026.

Fofana’s agent has previously indicated that Liverpool would be the player’s "choice of heart," potentially giving them an advantage in future negotiations. Lyon, recently reinstated to Ligue 1 after financial difficulties, may struggle to resist a substantial Premier League bid despite Fofana being under contract until 2028, with a reported asking price of €50–60 million. Chelsea could potentially capitalize if Lyon’s financial pressures continue, though the player’s personal preference and competition from Liverpool remain significant factors.