Sunderland win Fofana saga after Deadline Day drama

Two private jets, one medical, and a player who changed his mind multiple times before choosing Sunderland.

M. Fofana

player

View profile →

What happened. Sunderland completed the signing of Malick Fofana from Lyon on Deadline Day after a dramatic saga where Crystal Palace tried to hijack the deal and the player had two private jets waiting for his decision.

• Crystal Palace agreed a deal with Lyon but Fofana chose Sunderland.
• Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus travelled to Lyon to persuade Fofana.
• Arsenal considered a move but did not make an offer.

Fofana joins Sunderland on a five-year deal, strengthening their attack for the Premier League season.

In this story

SunderlandM. Fofana

More to read

Get French Football

Official | Sunderland sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana

The Guardian

Sunderland pip Crystal Palace in battle of the private jets to land Malick Fofana

GiveMeSport

Arsenal Could Have Stopped Sunderland And Crystal Palace Fight To Sign Malick Fofana

Get French Football

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus travels to Lyon to persuade Malick Fofana

CaughtOffside

Malick Fofana chooses next club after bizarre medical “jointly commissioned by Sunderland and Crystal Palace”

Get French Football

Malick Fofana chooses to join Sunderland over Crystal Palace