Lyon Director: Malick Fofana's Transfer to Sunderland Was a Very Complex Deal

On a crazy transfer deadline day, Malick Fofana was linked with Crystal Palace and Sunderland before eventually joining Sunderland. The deal brought Lyon a transfer fee of slightly more than 30 million euros. Lyon football director Matthieu-Louis-Jean attended a press conference on Monday to look back at the details behind the departure of the former Gent player. Facing reporters, the Lyon executive also had a few words to share…

“Malick's transfer was complicated. Although four or five clubs expressed interest, we had already reached agreements with two of them. Some offers simply were not suitable. On the final day, there were problems in the decision-making process. I spoke with Malick and his family, and his agent was in London at the time. We tried to understand what they wanted, and it was complicated for Malick. This situation had to be viewed as a whole. We helped him make a decision. He needed to understand the circumstances at that time. We also arranged a medical examination for him in Lyon. Nowadays, agents and families are becoming more involved, and situations are becoming increasingly complicated, which can affect a player's decision. It is not easy. This is different from the era I experienced when I was a player. Now you have to communicate with many people, and more and more people are involved. We are not the only ones facing this situation. Malick made his decision, and we successfully completed the transfer.”