Youssouf Fofana nears Lyon loan from AC Milan

Youssouf Fofana is closing in on a return to Ligue 1, with Lyon working to complete a loan deal with an option to buy from AC Milan.

The French midfielder left Monaco for Milan in 2024 but could now be heading back to France after two seasons in Italy.

Fofana was a regular for Milan after arriving, making 88 appearances across his two campaigns. However, the situation changed following Ruben Amorim’s appointment as head coach this summer. The 27-year-old was omitted from Milan’s squads for their opening two Serie A matches and has been encouraged to find a new club.

Galatasaray and several English sides were also linked with the France international, but Lyon have emerged as his most likely destination. A deal is reportedly close, offering the seven-time Ligue 1 champions an experienced midfield addition late in the window.

Fofana has earned 25 caps for France and would know Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca well from their time together at Milan during the 2024-25 campaign. Lyon need to balance their finances after Champions League play-off elimination, but the club remain alert to market opportunities.