Among the most promising wingers in Europe, Fofana joined Lyon from Gent two years ago for €19.5 million as a developing player and it’s fair to say that he hasn’t yet escaped that label. Though last season marked a mini-breakthrough of sorts, he started just over half of Lyon’s Ligue 1 games and, despite significant flashes of inspiration, consistency and defensive application are still work in progress.
Usually deployed as a left winger, Fofana doesn’t quite match the skillset of the traditional inverted wide attacker; sure, he cuts infield on to his stronger foot but he’s equally likely to utilize his dribbling ability while hugging the touchline. In fact, last season’s return of 1.57 successful crosses (per 90 minutes) places him in the top five of Ligue 1 wingers.
Fofana is also a great impact player. His late goals proved crucial on four occasions last season (scoring four within the last five minutes of games) and having the young winger running at defenders with tired legs proved a smart tactical plot. While technically strong and equipped with impressive acceleration, his off-the-ball running is another of his core strengths. Only PSG star Ousmane Dembele recorded more progressive runs than the Belgian (5.2 per 90), which underscores his busy, agile nature.
Despite still being a tad unstructured tactically, the attacking threat he represents through his vivacity, willingness to take on defenders at maximum intensity, and exhilarating pace puts him in a good stead to succeed in the Premier League.
OTHER RUMORS
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Arne Slot’s key role in Wirtz transfer
Julien Laurens and Gab Marcotti reveal how Arne Slot convinced Florian Wirtz to chose Liverpool over other rivals.
– Liverpool are seeking a fee of £40m from any club interested in signing striker Darwin Núñez. But while Napoli and Atlético Madrid are both keen on Núñez, their preference is to sign him on an initial loan deal. (Football Insider)
– Manchester United winger Antony, 25, could move to Real Betis permanently in a complicated joint-ownership agreement that would see the LaLiga club paying to take on percentages of his playing rights from 2026. (ABC)
– Newcastle United remain interested in signing Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. While the club’s pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion striker João Pedro is well documented, Eddie Howe is also keen to bolster his squad in wide areas and could turn to Elanga. (Telegraph)
– Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, 25, has to choose between Manchester United and Tottenham, where his former manager Thomas Frank has taken over, but his preference is to move to Old Trafford despite the lack of European football next season. (Sky Sports News)
– AC Milan have submitted an offer of €16m fee plus €4m in add-ons to sign Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
– Juventus have made the first move to try and sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres on a €13m-a-year contract ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United. (Mirror)
– Aston Villa full-back Lucas Digne, 31, is a backup target for Atletico Madrid if they failed to land Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. (Times)
– Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz is close to signing a new long-term contract with Real Madrid, despite interest from Premier League clubs. (COPE)
– Everton and Fenerbahce have entered the race to sign Manchester City defender Kyle Walker this summer. The 35-year-old is expected to leave the Etihad on a free transfer this month, having spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at AC Milan. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Initial talks have taken place between Granit Xhaka‘s management and AC Milan. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder views Milan as an “interesting option,” although talks are still in the early stages. (Sky Germany)
