French club Olympique Lyon has been relegated from Ligue 1 due to its failure to rectify its financial situation, as per the judgement of financial watchdog, the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG). This could potentially benefit Liverpool, who has recently been linked with a move for talented winger Malick Fofana.
Lyon was handed a provisional relegation halfway through the 2024/25 season, contingent on their inability to address a staggering €500m ($580M) debt. The club's owners, Eagle Football Group, had a meeting with the DNCG on Tuesday to demonstrate their efforts to resolve the issue, including the sale of John Textor's stake in Crystal Palace and Lyon's women's team, but none of these measures met the necessary criteria.
The French club can appeal against this decision, which if upheld, could have significant implications across European football, possibly affecting Liverpool.
Fofana might be among those contemplating their future at the southern France club, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming. The 20 year old's performances have reportedly attracted attention from top European clubs, including Liverpool.
Given Lyon's current predicament, it may be compelled to sell the winger at a reduced price if he seeks a quick departure before the start of the 2025/26 season.
Fofana, snapped up by Lyon from Genk for a tidy €19.5m ($22.6M) back in 2024, now boasts a market value of between €34m-48m ($39M-56M) courtesy of the CIES Football Observatory, though potential devaluation looms due to Lyon's troubling situation.
The Belgian international impressed last term, racking up 11 goals and laying on six assists in 41 club fixtures.
Liverpool is yet to express an official interest in Fofana, but Sky Sports France tips him as a potential replacement for Federico Chiesa, should he return to Italy this summer.
Malick Fofana of Lyon
Malick Fofana of Lyon (Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Nonetheless, should the Merseyside outfit opt to make a move, they've already received an optimistic nod that might just tip the scales in their favour.
Earlier this year BF SportsPartner, Fofana's ex-representatives, divulged to Africafoot his preferable next destination: "The choice of heart would be Liverpool. He has the potential to enter the rotation, and above all, we would like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and El-Hadji Diouf.
"He has the profile to succeed in the Premier League. He possesses qualities similar to those of Manchester United's Amad Diallo, namely speed, impact, and the ability to create opportunities.
"There's no doubt he can shine. For him, this would be an opportunity to continue his development and, above all, to showcase his talent in a league that favors transitional play."
Since those remarks, Fofana has switched agents, signing with Brazilian powerhouse Roc Nation, potentially hinting at a summer transfer. Lyon's recent confirmed fate adds yet another twist to the tale.