Sunderland are on the verge of completing a deal worth just under £30 million for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with the 21-year-old travelling to England for a medical ahead of an expected five-year contract.

The transfer will cost an initial £25.6 million, with a further £4.3 million available in performance-related add-ons. Fofana, who represents Belgium at international level, is said to be eager to join Sunderland as they prepare for their first European campaign in 51 years, having qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

Arsenal missed out on Fofana

The deal comes after Arsenal — currently Premier League champions — attempted to secure Fofana's signature but failed to reach an agreement on a fee with Lyon. That paved the way for Sunderland to move decisively.

Fofana developed his game at KAA Gent before making the move to the Ligue 1 club in 2024. Now he is set to bring his pace and directness to the Stadium of Light.

A busy summer for the Black Cats

Fofana will be joined at the club by defender Kevin Danso, who is arriving from Tottenham on an initial loan with an option to make the move permanent. Sunderland have also bolstered their squad with the additions of defenders Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, as well as midfielder Jules Ahoka.

The signings reflect the ambition at Sunderland following their return to the top flight. After finishing seventh in their first season back in the Premier League, the Black Cats opened the 2026-27 campaign with a defeat at Ipswich before bouncing back with a victory over Fulham on Sunday.