Malick Fofana has been spotted in a Manchester United jersey whilst on holiday with his friends, further adding fuel to the fire that he could join the club this summer, amidst exit rumours from Lyon.
Lyon were officially relegated to Ligue 2 this week due to financial issues, which means the door is now expected to be open for many of their top players to leave the club. “Excellent” Malick Fofana is one such player, with a queue of clubs already looking to sign him even before the relegation.
Fofana performed admirably against United in the Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford last season, changing the game when he came on and playing a part in almost all of Lyon’s goals. The Belgian was also very complimentary about the iconic stadium.
United are currently trying to finalise a move for Bryan Mbeumo, but remain adamant that they will not pay more than their own valuation of the player. Brentford are holding out for £65 million, according to recent reports, with an agreement still not reached.
A door could open up for Fofana if United walk away from a deal for Mbeumo, and the club may have received a boost, judging by some pictures of the player on holiday.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana spotted in United jersey
Malick Fofana has been spotted on holiday wearing a Manchester United jersey. The Belgian was spotted taking a penalty with friends, wearing a 22/23 United jersey with Marcus Rashford on the back.
Fofana is expected to leave Lyon this summer following their relegation, with clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea being linked in recent weeks. ESPN have noted that Lyon may be reluctantly forced into a sale, and he could cost any suitor around £40 million.
The player is represented by Roc Nation, an agency UtdDistrict sources understand United has a good relationship with and had discussions with last summer regarding Lorran Lucas. United were interested in signing Lorran at the time, but a deal ultimately failed to materialise.
UtdDistrict understands that Roc Nation is an agency that excels in dealing with top talents, including Vini Jr., Lucas Paquetá, Endrick, and Gabriel Martinelli. Malick Fofana is another top talent the agency is responsible for, and with the strong relationship between the club and the agency, it could give United an upper hand.
Fofana is expected to be available at a reduced price this summer due to Lyon’s financial issues and their relegation. Rayan Cherki went to Manchester City for an initial £30 million, and any club interested in Fofana this summer will likely aim for a similar fee.
United must try for Fofana
INEOS are trying to sign young players in a bid to improve the future of United, and Fofana is someone they need to try their best to land. Fofana has electric pace, and with age on his side, considering how good he already is, he can only improve.
Fofana may be sold on the project at United, although Liverpool will be hard to ignore as a potential successor to Luis Diaz. At such a low price, United should at least try to make a play for the player.
The club has missed out on huge young attacking talent in the past, and they would rue failing to sign Malick Fofana this summer, particularly with Alejandro Garnacho also expected to leave the club.
A market opportunity indeed for the Reds, and with the player looking like he was born to play for United in that Marcus Rashford kit, one they need to try and make happen.
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