Image source, Getty ImagesBySami Mokbel, Senior football correspondent, Nizaar Kinsella, Football reporter and Keifer MacDonald, BBC Sport journalist
- Published1 September 2026
Updated 43 minutes ago
Sunderland have beaten Crystal Palace to the signing of Malick Fofana from Lyon in a deal worth £30m.
The forward is the Black Cats’ fifth signing of the summer and has agreed a long-term deal at the Stadium of Light.
The 21-year-old joins Kevin Danso in signing for Sunderland on deadline day and will bolster the club’s squad ahead of their first European campaign since 1973.
“Malick has all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League,” said Sunderland‘s Director of Football, Florent Ghisolfi.
“He is a player with huge potential and Sunderland AFC will provide him with the right environment to continue to develop and prosper.
“He operates off the left and will complement the versatility of the other wide men we have at the club, who can play across both flanks.
“We are delighted to welcome Malick to the club and look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career.”
Fofana began his career at KAA Gent before joining the Ligue 1 side in 2024.
Sunderland have also signed defenders Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, and midfielder Jules Ahoka, this summer after finishing seventh in their first season back in the top flight.
The Black Cats beat Fulham on Sunday after losing their opening match of the 2026-27 season at Ipswich.
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