Newcastle thrown into the mix to sign one of the ‘most-talked-about players’, £40m price quoted as the player has shown interest
Newcastle United Eye Lyon Star Malick Fofana Amid Premier League Interest
Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on signing one of Ligue 1’s most promising young attackers this summer, but face fierce competition from Premier League rivals including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Following an impressive campaign in 2024/25, which saw Jacob Murphy thrive on the flanks, the Magpies are nonetheless eager to strengthen their attacking options ahead of a return to Champions League football. Despite Murphy’s standout performances—scoring key goals in the Premier League and providing a crucial assist in the Carabao Cup final—Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is aware of the need for depth and versatility in wide areas.
The departure of Yankuba Minteh, who was sold due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and the later exit of Miguel Almiron, has left Newcastle light in the winger department. While Murphy stepped up when it mattered most, relying solely on him could be a risk as Newcastle prepare for a demanding European and domestic campaign.
Earlier in the window, Newcastle made a strong push for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. However, negotiations stalled when the Cameroonian international reportedly demanded wages of £250,000 per week—well beyond what the Magpies were willing to offer. That forced them to turn their attention elsewhere, and now, a fresh name has entered the frame.
According to ESPN and French journalist Julien Laurens, Newcastle are among several top English clubs exploring a deal for Lyon’s rising star Malick Fofana. The 20-year-old Belgian winger has emerged as one of the standout talents in France over the past year, and his performances have not gone unnoticed across the Channel.
Fofana’s Rapid Rise and Lyon’s Financial Troubles
Fofana enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Lyon in the 2024/25 season, scoring five goals and providing four assists in Ligue 1. His technical ability, blistering pace, and sharp football intelligence have helped him rack up over 100 league appearances across three clubs by the age of 20—a remarkable feat. His performances have also earned him recognition at international level, having already made appearances for the Belgium senior national team.
However, Lyon’s precarious financial situation may now force them to cash in on one of their most valuable assets. According to Laurens, clubs interested in signing Fofana have been quoted a fee in the region of £40–£45 million. That figure is deemed substantial, but not out of reach for Premier League clubs with European ambitions.
Newcastle’s interest is genuine, but they’ll need to fend off competition from the likes of Chelsea, Spurs, and Brighton—all of whom are monitoring Fofana’s availability closely. He has become one of the most talked-about players in the European market this month.
Despite the swirling speculation, Fofana himself is said to be content at Lyon. He is not actively agitating for a move and would prefer to continue his development in France. However, with Lyon under pressure to balance their books, a summer transfer may become a necessity rather than a choice.
The Tactical Dilemma for Eddie Howe
While Fofana is undoubtedly a player of immense talent and long-term potential, there is one tactical concern that could complicate matters for Newcastle. The Belgian is predominantly a left-winger—a position where Newcastle already have two established options in Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.
Newcastle’s primary transfer focus has been on strengthening the right flank, where the departures of Minteh and Almiron have left a clear void. Fofana did feature occasionally on the right wing during the 2024/25 season, and his right-footedness suggests he could be adapted to that role. However, it is clear that his most natural and effective position remains on the left.
This leaves Eddie Howe with a potential selection headache. Integrating Fofana into a squad already heavy on left-wing options would require either tactical reshuffling or convincing the player to take up a less familiar role on the right.
Still, the long-term benefits of securing a player of Fofana’s calibre are difficult to ignore. At just 20, he has the potential to grow into a top-tier winger, and with European football on the horizon, Newcastle could benefit from added depth and competition in wide areas.
As things stand, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will be willing to meet Lyon’s asking price and if Fofana himself would be open to a move—especially one that could involve a positional switch. But one thing is clear: Newcastle’s summer business is far from over, and Malick Fofana has become a name worth watching closely in the coming weeks.