Liverpool and Chelsea battle for Lyon star

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June 25, 2025 08:57 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Following Lyon’s relegation to Ligue 1, the French club are likely to sell a host of their best players. It is understood that both Liverpool and Chelsea are chasing the coveted signature of Belgian international winger Malick Fofana, with the Blues in pole position to sign the 20-year-old on a 30 million euro deal.

Fofana joined Lyon last year in January 2024 from Belgian club Gent, the team at which Fofana spent his youth career. The 5 foot 7 winger returned 8 Ligue 1 goals in 46 appearances, earning his first call up to Belgium’s national side in the process.

However, Lyon were yesterday relegated to Ligue 2 for financial irregularities, and despite the French club set to appeal to DNCG, the French football financial watchdog, the club will need to sell some of their brightest talents.

Fofana arrived at Lyon for just 17 million euros, and will command a significant fee today should he head for the Premier League.

Liverpool are Chelsea‘s rivals for Fofana’s signature, as manager Arne Slot seeks additional depth to his attack for the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League campaign.