Sunderland sign Malick Fofana from Lyon on transfer deadline day

Sunderland have completed the signing of Malick Fofana from Lyon on a long-term contract, with the Belgium-born attacker becoming the club’s fifth arrival of the off-season.

Fofana joins on the final day of the transfer window and will continue his development in the Premier League after establishing himself in senior football with KAA Gent before moving to Lyon in 2024.

His move to the Stadium of Light follows the arrival of Kevin Danso, who has also joined Sunderland on deadline day. Together, the pair add further quality to Regis Le Bris’ squad as the club prepare for their first European campaign since 1973.

Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi believes Fofana has the qualities required to succeed in England.

“Malick has all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League,” said Ghisolfi.

“He is a player with huge potential and Sunderland AFC will provide him with the right environment to continue to develop and prosper.

“He operates off the left and will complement the versatility of the other wide men we have at the club, who can play across both flanks.

“We are delighted to welcome Malick to the club and look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career.”

Fofana’s ability to play from the left will give Le Bris another option in the wide areas, with Sunderland already possessing several players capable of operating on either flank.

The Black Cats have also signed 18-year-old Ecuadorian striker Juan Riquelme Angulo from Independiente del Valle on a permanent deal. Thomas Meunier, Dayann Methalie and Jules Ahoka have also joined the club during the off-season.

Sunderland secured promotion back to the top flight before finishing seventh in their first Premier League campaign last season. Their return to European competition will come for the first time since 1973.

They opened the 2026-27 Premier League season with defeat by Ipswich but responded on Sunday by beating Fulham.

Fofana began his senior career at KAA Gent before his move to Lyon in 2024, and Sunderland will now provide the next stage of his development as they balance domestic competition with their European commitments.

The signing represents another late addition to Le Bris’ attacking resources and completes a deadline-day move that Sunderland hope will strengthen their squad ahead of the challenges of the new campaign.

Elsewhere on deadline day, Enzo Fernandez joined Manchester City from Chelsea in a record switch.