Sunderland have agreed a deal with Lyon for winger Malick Fofana, in a transfer potentially worth just under £30m. The 21-year-old is travelling to England for a medical and is expected to sign a five-year contract.
The deal for the Belgium forward will cost an initial £25.6m, with a potential £4.3m in add-ons. Fofana is understood to be excited about joining Sunderland ahead of their first European campaign in 51 years, having qualified for the Europa League.
This move follows attempts by Arsenal to sign Fofana, though the Premier League champions were reportedly unable to agree a fee with Lyon. Fofana began his career at KAA Gent before joining the Ligue 1 side in 2024.
Sunderland have also signed defenders Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, and midfielder Jules Ahoka this summer. The club finished seventh in their first season back in the top flight and recently beat Fulham after losing their opening 2026-27 season match at Ipswich.