Everton transfer news: Ligue 1 winger turns down the Toffees

Everton transfer news: Ligue 1 winger turns down the Toffees
Malick Fofana in action for Lyon - Photo by Imago

Targeted by several Premier League sides, including Everton, has no intention of leaving Lyon for what he considers a mid-level project. The Belgian winger has made his ambitions clear: he wants to play in the Champions League.

After a standout season with 11 goals and six assists at just 20 years of age, Fofana has established himself as a key figure at Olympique Lyonnais. During the club’s summer preparations, the Belgium Under-21 international continued to impress in pre-season friendlies. With Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette now gone, Lyon are counting on Fofana to lead their new-look attack.

Malick Fofana Lyon
Malick Fofana playing for Lyono. (Photo by IMAGO)

Premier League interest in Fofana

Fofana’s performances have not gone unnoticed in England. According to multiple sources, Liverpool are closely monitoring the young winger, but it was Everton who made the first move with a bid believed to be around €40m (£34m). While that is a significant figure for a club like Lyon – still under financial scrutiny from the DNCG – the French outfit may be tempted to sell in order to reinvest.

Fofana rejects Everton approach

Despite the interest and the financial terms on offer, Fofana has reportedly turned down a move to Everton. According to Football Insider, the player does not believe the Merseyside club matches his ambitions. Those close to him insist that he will only leave Lyon for a club competing in the Champions League.

This article was originally published on Dailymercato.


Editorial manager and football enthusiast, Axel stays on top of all the key football news, even if he maintains a particular attachment to clubs in the North of France - from Lens to Lille via Dunkirk - since he no longer lives there.