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Sunderland Make Sensational Deadline Day Transfer as Arsenal Hesitation Allows Black Cats Swoop
Sunderland will sign the 21-year-old Belgium international on a five-year deal after Arsenal withdrew, with paperwork still to be completed before the deadline.
- On Tuesday, Sunderland agreed to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana in a deal worth just under £30m. The 21-year-old Belgium international is traveling to the Stadium of Light for a medical ahead of signing a five-year contract.
- Following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last week, Ligue 1 club Lyon faced financial pressures forcing asset sales. The transfer addresses Sunderland's need for attacking quality after a mixed start to the 2026-27 season.
- Arsenal attempted to sign Fofana but could not agree on a fee with Lyon, allowing the Black Cats to step in. Sunderland will pay £25.6m upfront plus between £4.3m and £5.1m in achievable add-ons.
- Fofana could make his Sunderland debut when they travel to face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, having qualified for the UEFA Europa League this season. The winger is excited by the prospect of European football.
- With the transfer window closing on Tuesday at 23:00 BST, Sunderland must complete remaining paperwork before the deadline. The club holds an option to extend Fofana's five-year contract by a further 12 months.
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Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
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C 62%
15%
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