Sunderland Transfer Target Takes Steps to Push Through Potential Move as New Bid Looms

The Belgian winger was set for a medical and ready to join Sunderland on a five-year deal. But now, Crystal Palace have swooped in and tried to hijack the deal. Fofana has taken drastic action — and the Black Cats are fighting back.

The Deal That Was Done

Sunderland had pulled off one of the coups of the transfer window when they agreed a deal with Lyon for Malick Fofana. The Black Cats had been searching for added firepower in the final third throughout the summer transfer window . They had been in talks with Marseille over a move for Igor Paixao but moved on to Fofana as a strong option neared an exit from Ligue 1 .

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland agreed to pay a fee of around £25 million with potential future add-ons . The 21-year-old was given permission to travel for a medical and had agreed the outline of a five-year contract . He was set to be enthused by the project on Wearside and the prospect of competing in European competition this season .

Arsenal had been pursuing a move for Fofana in the closing stages of the window but could not agree a fee . The Gunners considered Lyon’s €40m (£34m) valuation too high and would only proceed if Lyon were willing to agree to different terms .

Once it became clear that a compromise was unlikely, Arsenal decided not to push ahead — opening the door for Sunderland.

The Palace Hijack

Then came the twist.

In a dramatic late development, Crystal Palace emerged to hijack Sunderland’s move for Fofana . The Eagles submitted their own proposal after Sunderland had already agreed a deal worth up to €35m (£30m) with Lyon .

According to The Athletic, Palace “agreed the same deal” with Lyon for Fofana, potentially scuppering Sunderland’s plans . It would appear that the final decision on which club he joins is now up to the Belgium international .

With the clock ticking towards the 11pm deadline, Sunderland’s deal was suddenly in serious jeopardy .

Fofana Takes Control

But Fofana has made his feelings crystal clear. He is pushing HARD for a move to Sunderland instead . The 21-year-old has reportedly refused to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace and is making it known that his heart is set on Wearside.

The player has taken control of his own future, rejecting Palace’s advances and forcing the issue. That’s the kind of character Régis Le Bris wants at the Stadium of Light.

There is a growing expectation from various sources that the promising talent could still end up at Sunderland despite Palace’s late intervention . The Black Cats have reportedly revived the deal by offering higher commissions to his agents, and a new bid is imminent.

Fofana is currently in London but has not undergone a medical with Palace, leaving the Eagles in the dark about his whereabouts. The message from the player is clear: he wants Sunderland.

The Danso Double Deal

Sunderland are not just chasing Fofana. The Black Cats are also closing in on a deal for Tottenham defender Kevin Danso . The 27-year-old Austria international has agreed personal terms and is on standby to undergo a medical .

Tottenham are not expected to sanction his departure until they have secured a replacement . However, the deal is widely anticipated to go through as a loan with an option to buy for a reported sum of £25 million .

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has welcomed the move, describing the signings as “sensible signings” that will build the team around . He told BBC Radio Newcastle: “They’re not going to make the blood rush through the veins of Sunderland supporters as far as attacking options or how dynamic they are but you need players like this to build your team around so that the Enzo Le Fees and the [Chris] Riggs and the [Noah] Sadikis can go and be a little bit more expansive” .

What Happens Next?

Sunderland have until 11pm to get the Fofana deal over the line . If necessary, they can submit a transfer deal sheet to confirm an agreement has been reached prior to the deadline, granting an additional two hours to complete the rest of the paperwork . Once lodged, the clubs involved would then have until 1am to finalise the transfer .

The big question is whether Fofana will choose Sunderland or Crystal Palace. The player’s preference seems clear — but Palace are offering a similar package .

If both deals are concluded as expected, Danso and Fofana would become the club’s fourth and fifth signings of the summer transfer window . That would represent a stunning end to a window that had been marked by patience and a major statement of intent from the Black Cats .

Sunderland are about to embark on their first European campaign in over 50 years. The squad needs depth, and Florent Ghisolfi is delivering.

One thing is certain: Sunderland mean business.