Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana was linked with a potential move to Everton over the summer
Malick Fofana celebrates after scoring during the match between Olympique Lyonnais and Toulouse on October 5, 2025
Malick Fofana celebrates after scoring during the match between Olympique Lyonnais and Toulouse on October 5, 2025
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Olympique Lyonnais wonderkid Malick Fofana “didn’t want to risk” a move to Everton this summer because he wasn’t convinced it was a significant step up. That’s the claim made by the Belgium international’s agent.
Frederico Pena is the general manager at Roc Nation Sports, whose website states that they elevate athletes’ careers on and off the field through endorsement deals, philanthropic endeavours, media relations and brand strategy.
The ECHO understands winger Fofana, who joined Lyon from Gent for €17m in January 2024 and netted 11 goals in 41 matches last season, was a player of interest for Everton.
But the article from Belgian outlet De Morgen, cited by Sports Witness, claims that after the Blues had an initial bid of around €35m rejected, and that they and Fulham were both willing to cover a total package of €45m, to meet the Ligue 1 club’s asking price.
However, the piece adds that the 20-year-old, who has also been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, had doubts over both Everton and the Cottagers, who are managed by former Blues boss Marco Silva.
Pena is quoted as saying: “Fofana feels very valued at Lyon. He didn’t want to risk that.”
Meanwhile, the report adds that Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad also came forward for Fofana last summer.
However, he also rejected a move to the Jeddah-based outfit ,who are coached by Sergio Conceicao and whose playing squad includes Karim Benzema, Houssem Aouar, Danilo Pereira, Moussa Diaby, N’Golo Kante and former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.
Lyon general manager Michael Gerlinger said: “After speaking with Fofana, his agent, and his family, it was clear that the sporting project is also important to them. And that project is staying with Lyon for at least another year.”
Everton did bring in a new winger when they made Tyler Dibling their most expensive purchase after agreeing an initial £35m deal.
And Blues boss Moyes said: “It was difficult for us. We genuinely were in for so many players, and we didn’t get so many.
“We weren’t a big attraction at all. So, we’re going to have to build slowly, pick the league position up as we go along, keep trying to be positive and move forward a little, one step at a time.
“It won’t be big steps, so we need to make sure we’re keeping everyone on the level over what’s expected.”