Sunderland beat Palace in private jet race for Fofana

Two clubs sent planes to France, but Sunderland's owner flew personally to seal the deal.

M. Fofana

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What happened. Sunderland signed Malick Fofana from Lyon for a club-record £31m, after a deadline-day battle with Crystal Palace that involved both clubs sending private jets to France.

• Fofana agreed a five-year contract with Sunderland.
• Palace manager Pierre Sage tried to hijack the deal, having coached Fofana at Lyon.
• Sunderland's owner flew to France to speak with Fofana personally, sealing the move.

Fofana will reunite with his former Lyon coach Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace? No, he chose Sunderland instead.

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