Sunderland have beaten Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in the race to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana.The Athletic reported earlier today that Palace were working to hijack Sunderland’s move after the north east club had reached an agreement to sign the Belgium international, a deal Palace also agreed with the French club.The winger had been evaluating both offers, but has completed a medical and signed a five-year deal that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2031.Sunderland will pay a €30million upfront fee for Fofana plus €5m in potential add-ons. Lyon confirmed via a statement that they had inserted a 12.5 per cent sell-on clause in the deal.“He (Fofana) is a player with huge potential, and Sunderland AFC will provide him with the right environment to continue to develop and prosper,” Sunderland Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi said.“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.”
It was always Sunderland.
Belgium winger Malick Fofana joins from Olympique Lyonnais on a long-term contract! ✍️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/1VGPDAhBBA
