Fabrizio Romano reports that Everton are now in advanced talks with Lyon for Malick Fofana. The winger is keen on the move, and all parties are working towards a full agreement.
Everton have moved a step closer to landing one of Belgium’s top attacking prospects, with Malick Fofana now understood to be eager to join the Premier League side this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees have submitted an official bid to Lyon and are in direct negotiations with both the French club and the player’s representatives. Talks on personal terms are also underway and described as progressing positively.
Why Fofana Wants the Everton Move
The 19-year-old Belgian forward has been on the radar of several European clubs after a breakout season in Ligue 1. Sources close to the deal say Fofana sees Everton as a perfect platform to accelerate his development and gain Premier League exposure.
With David Moyes desperate to add pace and dynamism to his front line, the club has prioritised Fofana over other wide options.
“Malick wants to test himself in the Premier League and sees Everton as a club where he can play regularly and grow,” a source close to the deal told Football Place.
Fofana’s 2024/25 Season by the Numbers
Despite Lyon’s struggles, Fofana stood out with his versatility and energy across the final third.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 (Lyon) | 34 | 6 | 5 | 2,147 |
He featured on both flanks and as a second striker, contributing directly to 11 goals in all competitions.
How Fofana Fits into David Moyes’s Plans
Fofana’s direct dribbling, high work rate and tactical flexibility make him a strong candidate to slot into Moyes’s evolving system. The Toffees are moving towards a faster, more counter-attacking approach, and Fofana’s profile fits the bill.
Lyon’s Position on the Deal
Lyon are reluctantly open to selling Fofana, who is contracted until 2027, as part of their wider financial reset this summer. The club is demanding a fee in the region of €20–25 million, with Everton’s current bid believed to include performance-related add-ons.
Analyst Verdict
From a tactical standpoint, Fofana brings what Everton have lacked — a forward who carries the ball with intent and combines well in tight spaces. While still raw, his potential ceiling is high. This deal mirrors Everton’s smart recruitment model seen with Amadou Onana in 2022 — a calculated gamble with high upside.
Key Insights
- Everton are in advanced talks to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon.
- The player is keen on the move, and personal terms are progressing well.
- Fofana posted 6 goals and 5 assists in Ligue 1 last season.
- Lyon open to sale, deal could be worth €25m including bonuses.
- Fofana would become Everton’s fourth major signing of the window.
What’s Next for Everton and Malick Fofana?
Everton are working to finalise the deal with Lyon in the coming days, with sources close to the talks suggesting that a medical could be scheduled as early as next week — if a final fee and payment structure is agreed.
Fofana is expected to travel to Merseyside once the agreement is sealed, with the Toffees pushing to complete the move before their final pre-season fixtures in early August. Lyon, meanwhile, are already eyeing replacements and prefer a swift conclusion to avoid dressing room uncertainty.
If personal terms and contract length are ironed out without delay, Everton could unveil the Belgian teenager as their newest signing by the end of next week.
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