Malick Fofana: Sunderland finally complete signing of Lyon winger after Deadline Day drama with Crystal Palace
1 September 2026, 22:00
Sunderland have finally completed the signing of Lyon winger Malick Fofana after a dramatic Deadline Day transfer saga involving two private jets and the player changing his mind multiple times.
Sunderland agreed a deal to sign Fofana on Deadline Day morning but Crystal Palace - whose manager Pierre Sage worked with him before at Lyon - tried to hijack the deal.
With both Premier League clubs agreeing a deal with Lyon for the winger, Fofana was then sat at Lyon airport, with two private jets waiting on him to make a decision. One plane was set for Sunderland, the other was set for London.
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