Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon.
Fabrizio Romano did claim that Nottingham Forest have already agreed a deal to sign Malick Fofana, however, that is not our understanding.
We revealed this morning that Forest have not yet agreed terms with Lyon over Fofana’s transfer, so there is still legwork to do.
The 20-year-old also has to be convinced by Nuno Espirito Santo’s pitch, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs circling.
If Nottingham Forest do manage to pull off a coup and land his signature, here are the pros and cons of the transfer.
Olympique Lyonnais Malick Fofana.
Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Winners of a Malick Fofana transfer to Nottingham Forest
Igor Jesus
Igor Jesus has already completed a move to Nottingham Forest, so he’s expected to be competing with Chris Wood for a starting spot.
Indeed, with Fofana potentially on the wing, Jesus would be getting elite service from one of Europe’s brightest talents.
The young Frenchman has blistering pace and statistically beats his man more than most on the continent, so expect the forwards to receive a hatful of chances through his playmaking abilities.
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Nuno Espirito Santo
Espirito Santo’s system revolves around pacy and dynamic wide players, and Fofana certainly fits that criteria.
With Anthony Elanga on the other flank, the Forest boss could turn the Tricky Trees into one of the best transitional teams on the planet.
He’s creating a more modern version of his Wolves team, which competed in the Europa League.
Losers of a Malick Fofana transfer to Nottingham Forest
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Unfortunately, despite a productive season, Callum Hudson-Odoi would inevitably drop to the bench should Fofana arrive.
If reports are true, and Forest do have to pay £43m for the 20-year-old, then it’s hard to imagine him joining as a back-up.
So, Hudson-Odoi may have to get used to being a squad player, making an impact late on in games.
Jota Silva
Of course, with Hudson-Odoi becoming a second-choice winger, that pushes Jota Silva even further down the pecking order.
Jota is being linked with a return to Portugal, with champions Sporting showing a significant interest in the 24-year-old.
So, supporters may have already seen the last of the 2024 summer signing.