Crystal Palace came close to changing the course of Malick Fofana’s transfer on a dramatic Deadline Day, only for Sunderland to complete the deal at the last moment.
Fofana had been set to join Sunderland after the club agreed a £30million deal with Lyon. Palace saw an opening because the 21-year-old Belgian winger had not yet completed his medical, prompting a late contest for his signature.
Palace believed they had an advantage through manager Pierre Sage, who had previously worked with Fofana at Lyon. Sage reportedly contacted the player to outline the club’s project, while improved personal terms were offered and Palace raised their bid.
Sunderland remained determined to finish the transfer. Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus travelled to Lyon, matched Palace’s bid and adjusted the representative commissions. Sunderland then submitted a Premier League Deal Sheet shortly before the 11pm deadline, with the signing announced shortly after midnight.
Palace swiftly turned their attention elsewhere and completed a late deal for Chilean winger Dario Osorio. The failed pursuit of Fofana now adds an extra subplot to Palace’s return to Lyon, where they will seek a second consecutive Europa League victory on Thursday.
