Lyon are close to selling midfielder Malick Fofana to Sunderland in a deal worth about €40m, according to a report on journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.
The proposed transfer is understood to be at an advanced stage, with the agreement between the French club and the English side nearing completion. Fofana has already undergone his medical examination in Lyon, another indication that the move could soon be finalised.
A sale of that size would provide Lyon with a significant financial boost. It is also expected to ease the impact of restrictions imposed on the club by the DNCG, French football’s financial monitoring body.
The reported fee of approximately €40m would make Fofana’s departure an important transaction for Lyon as they look to improve their financial position. The club’s need to operate under DNCG measures has added significance to the proposed deal, with the income from the transfer potentially helping reduce the effect of those limitations.
Fofana’s recent performances have come across two campaigns. Last season, he scored two goals and provided assists in 16 appearances. During the current season, he has scored twice in six matches.
According to Di Marzio’s report, those figures have preceded a move which would take the midfielder from Lyon to Sunderland, with the negotiations now in their closing phase. The medical has already taken place in Lyon, while the two clubs continue towards an agreement on the transfer.
The information has been presented as a report concerning a possible deal, with the central details being the proposed €40m fee, the advanced negotiations and the completed medical examination. Should the transfer be completed, it would see Sunderland secure Fofana from Lyon and Lyon receive a major fee for the midfielder.
For Lyon, the financial consequences are central to the reported move. The sale is expected not only to generate income but also to improve the club’s situation in relation to the DNCG restrictions. For Sunderland, the agreement would bring in a player who has scored twice in the current campaign after also finding the net twice last season.
The transfer remains at the stage described by Di Marzio’s website as close to completion. However, the report indicates that the final steps of the agreement still need to be concluded before the move can be regarded as complete.