Palace and Sunderland battling for £30m Fofana

Crystal Palace are attempting to hijack Sunderland’s move for Lyon’s Malick Fofana.

The winger had agreed to join Sunderland in a deal worth just under £30m but Palace have made their own proposal.

It is now up to the the 21-year-old to decide as he travels to England for a medical, having been offered a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Any deal for the Belgium forward would cost an initial £25.6m, with a potential £4.3m in add-ons.

Fofana was understood to be excited by the prospect of joining Sunderland before their first European campaign in 51 years, having qualified for the Europa League, but Palace have also qualified for the same competition.

Arsenal also attempted to sign Fofana, but the Premier League champions were unable to agree a fee with Lyon.

Fofana began his career at KAA Gent before joining the Ligue 1 side in 2024.

If he joins Sunderland, Fofana would sign alongside Kevin Danso, with the Austria defender due to arrive from Tottenham on an initial loan with an option to buy.

Sunderland have also signed defenders Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, and midfielder Jules Ahoka, this summer after finishing seventh in their first season back in the top flight.

The Black Cats beat Fulham on Sunday after losing their opening match of the 2026-27 season at Ipswich.