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Malick Fofana explains why he didn't join Chelsea or Liverpool
Tom Weber
- Updated: 6 Sept 2025 14:01 BST
- 4 min read
News
Lyon winger Malick Fofana has confirmed that Chelsea and Liverpool were interested in him this summer.
The Belgium international enjoyed a promising season with Lyon last term, particularly stealing the show at Old Trafford against Man Utd in the Europa League.
Despite the turmoil at the French club, Fofana stayed put over the summer despite not having a shortage of suitors. Lyon ultimately did not need to sell the 20-year-old after managing to stave off their forced relegation to the second tier.
Current ETV
Malick Fofana
M, F (L)
Lyon
Malick Fofana
M, F (L)
Lyon
ETV Range
€34.5M - €42.2M
However, they were not entirely opposed to cashing in on Fofana. In fact, they had actually agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sell the tricky winger, but the deal collapsed due to the player's desire to join a Champions League club.
However, despite receiving enquiries from several European giants, no club ultimately showed a willingness to cough up the €50 million fee demanded by Lyon.
Fofana confirms Chelsea, Liverpool interest
Speaking on international duty with Belgium, Fofana has now confirmed that Chelsea and Liverpool both showed an interest in him during the window, but that it wasn't concrete enough for a transfer.
He then posited that his decision to stay at Lyon will be a boon to his development as he will receive guaranteed minutes at the Ligue 1 outfit, allowing him to 'play and have fun.'
“There was interest from those two clubs, but ultimately it wasn’t concrete enough," Fofana said. "I thought about a transfer, but I think it’s more important now that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have progress to make.
“Of course [I want to go to the 2026 World Cup], but I realise I still have a lot to prove. I’ve already made progress. I’m now more decisive and more involved in the game.
"I’m just a normal lad and I’m keeping my cool. I don’t focus on the media either, I just do what I love to do: dribble and score.”
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