Just in: Fabrizio Romano says Nottingham Forest have agreed deal to sign ‘top’ Liverpool target
Nottingham Forest Close in on Malick Fofana Amid Interest From Premier League Rivals
Nottingham Forest have taken a major step forward in their summer recruitment drive by reaching an agreement with French club Lyon for the transfer of highly rated winger Malick Fofana, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 20-year-old Belgian international has quickly become one of the most sought-after young talents in European football, attracting serious interest from a number of top clubs including Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Chelsea. However, it appears Forest have stolen a march on their rivals by securing a deal with Lyon, who are currently in a state of turmoil.
Lyon’s financial situation has deteriorated significantly in recent months, culminating in the club’s controversial relegation to Ligue 2 due to budgetary non-compliance. The club is in the process of appealing the decision, but in the meantime, they are being forced into a clear-out of their most valuable assets, including Fofana. Nottingham Forest have acted swiftly to capitalise on the situation, moving to agree terms with the French side in what could prove to be a major coup.
Forest Make Their Move
Despite competition from clubs with Champions League pedigree, including Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Chelsea—who have all reportedly made contact in recent weeks—Forest have been proactive in their pursuit of Fofana. Romano reports that the two clubs have settled on a fee, though an agreement with the player himself has yet to be finalised.
Fofana is believed to be weighing up his options carefully. While Forest can offer him regular first-team football and the chance to play in Europe via the Europa Conference League next season, the player is said to be holding out for a move to a Champions League outfit. His camp is reportedly monitoring interest from clubs participating in Europe’s top-tier competition before making a final decision.
Nonetheless, Forest’s interest remains strong. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is eager to bolster his attacking options as the club prepares for a historic European campaign. Following a remarkable 2024/25 season in which the Tricky Trees defied expectations to finish 7th in the Premier League, the club is determined to build on that momentum and prove they can compete on multiple fronts.
A Statement of Ambition
Should Forest successfully persuade Fofana to join, it would be a significant statement of intent from a club that continues to evolve rapidly under the stewardship of Nuno and the club’s ambitious ownership. They have already made one major addition this summer, finalising the signing of promising Brazilian striker Igor Jesus from Botafogo, further underlining their forward-thinking recruitment strategy.
Meanwhile, Forest are working hard to retain their current stars amid growing interest from elsewhere. Midfield maestro Morgan Gibbs-White and pacey winger Anthony Elanga have both been linked with moves away, but the club remains determined to keep their core intact as they aim to challenge both domestically and in Europe.
While Fofana’s future is yet to be decided, the fact that Forest have managed to reach an agreement with Lyon puts them in a strong negotiating position. With talks expected to continue over the coming days, fans will be eagerly watching to see if their club can complete one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas.