The latest Liverpool transfer news as the agent of Lyon wonder kid Malick Fofana makes a huge admission
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Malick Fofana of Lyon celebrates
Lyon's teenage ace Malick Fofana has been talked up for a summer Premier League transfer by his agent
(Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Liverpool would the first choice destination of Olympique Lyonnais ace Malick Fofana, the 19-year-old's agent has revealed in a fresh interview. The teenager has not only been tipped for great things but also a next major career transfer this summer, and one to the Premier League would see him follow in Mohamed Salah's footsteps.
The Reds' transfer strategy for the upcoming transfer window must be thorough, as despite standing on the verge of winning a Premier League title, there are multiple areas of the squad currently under review to decide if improvements can be made. One such area would be the right-hand side of the attack, where Liverpool would have to recognise that they are not finding better than Salah if the 32-year-old does depart when his contract expires on June 30.
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Instead, Arne Slot and Co. could take a stance of building towards the future and upon scouring Europe for a next great talent, they need only look across to France to discover one who is seemingly set on Liverpool without even so much as a past rumour.
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Speaking about Fofana's next club, his representatives from BF SportsPartner have told Africafoot: "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."
Born in Belgium, Fofana joined Gent's academy at the age of nine. As a 16-year-old he made his senior debut and in January 2024 secured a breakthrough move to Lyon at the price of €22m (£18.5m).
Signing for four-and-a-half years, he has since gone on to make 56 appearances in French football, scoring 14 goals along with five assists. Like Salah, it is his speed, athleticism and ability to physically battle with defenders that has gained most recognition in little over 12 months.
But, even if an Anfield transfer is the end goal, his representative delved deeper into Fofana's options and once again made clear the belief that he is destined for England.
In contrast to the previous comment, it was added: "Now, the choice of reason would be Newcastle, a well-structured club that could be a first step to gain experience before, perhaps, joining a top-five European club.
"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 favours transitional play.
"However, he'll have to choose the right club, as competition is fierce across the (English) Channel."
CIES Observatory's latest database update on March 11, 2025, placed Fofana's estimated transfer value between €33m-€45m (£27.7m-£37.8m), coincidentally in the ball park the Reds paid AS Roma for their record-breaking Egyptian's arrival in 2017.
But working in the favour of Richard Hughes and Reds negotiators to work a lower fee may be their French counterparts' desperation to sell. Lyon are currently under the thumb of the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG) - French football's financial watchdog - and currently face expulsion from Ligue 1 if they do not rectify losses of well over £400m.
The agent therefore mentioned: "He's a valuable player for the squad, bringing speed and impact. He has the potential to become a key part of the team and be a long-term player.
"However, as we know, OL is under the surveillance of the DNCG and will have to sell again this summer. So anything remains possible."