Liverpool Handed Major Boost in Race for Malick Fofana as Lyon Face Shock Relegation
June 29, 2025 – Liverpool, England
Liverpool’s ambitious summer transfer window has taken another turn, as the club is now in pole position to sign Malick Fofana, the exciting 20-year-old Belgian winger, following Olympique Lyonnais’ shock relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial irregularities.
Fofana, hailed by scouts as “electric” and “even better than Anthony Gordon” by some data analysts, has been on Liverpool’s radar for months. But Lyon’s demotion could drastically reduce the financial barrier for a deal.
Lyon’s Collapse Opens the Door
Despite finishing sixth in Ligue 1, Lyon’s off-field mismanagement—including unpaid debts and breach of financial fair play regulations—has resulted in administrative relegation. The fallout has already begun, with Rayan Cherki moving to Manchester City and Said Benrahma also departing in a fire-sale-style exodus.
Fofana, who signed with Roc Nation Sports earlier this year—a common precursor to high-profile transfers—is reportedly eager to move, with Liverpool at the top of his list. The Reds could secure him for a reduced fee, potentially in the €20–25 million range, down from earlier estimates around €40 million.
Fofana vs. Anthony Gordon: By the Numbers
Fofana’s output last season in Ligue 1 has quietly outperformed Anthony Gordon—one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young attackers—when compared per 90 minutes:
| Stat (2024/25) | Malick Fofana | Anthony Gordon |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 10 | 10 |
| Assists | 9 | 7 |
| Touches in Opponent’s Box | 6.4 | 5.2 |
| Possession Lost per 90 | 9.1 | 11.3 |
| Ball Recoveries | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Age | 20 | 23 |
The numbers are striking. Fofana not only matches Gordon in productivity but also edges him in efficiency and ball security—critical traits in Arne Slot’s high-pressing, technically demanding system.
Arne Slot’s New-Look Liverpool Taking Shape
Liverpool have already splashed over £185 million this summer, with key signings including:
- Florian Wirtz (£116m)
- Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m)
- Milos Kerkez (£40m)
A move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres is also progressing, but Slot reportedly sees Fofana as a long-term piece in Liverpool’s attacking puzzle, potentially rotating or developing alongside Luis Díaz, Ben Doak, and Mohamed Salah.
The Verdict
With Lyon desperate to offload assets and Fofana already eyeing Anfield, Liverpool have a golden opportunity to secure one of Europe’s most dynamic young wingers—at a cut price. A deal could be fast-tracked in the coming days.
