Liverpool have reportedly intensified their chase for a highly rated young prospect attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.
While fans await official confirmation of Florian Wirtz’s record-breaking transfer from Bayer Leverkusen — with a medical set for Friday (per David Ornstein) — and Milos Kerkez’s switch from Bournemouth is said to be “basically a done deal” according to his father, Liverpool may not be finished yet.
Although The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has suggested that most of Liverpool’s summer signings will be wrapped up after those two deals, sporting director Richard Hughes appears to be keeping tabs on additional targets across Europe.
Liverpool begin discussions with Malick Fofana’s new agents
As reported by L’Equipe, Liverpool have entered talks with the agents of Malick Fofana shortly after the Lyon winger signed with Brazilian firm Roc Nation — the same agency that represents stars like Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Chelsea have also made initial contact about a potential move for the 20-year-old, who’s also on the radar of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Lyon, currently dealing with financial issues, have placed a €50m (£42.7m) valuation on him.
Is Fofana a necessary addition for Liverpool right now?
Liverpool’s interest in Fofana first surfaced last month via CaughtOffside, and he remains a top target for FSG, who are looking to outmaneuver several Premier League rivals.
Primarily operating from the left wing, Fofana scored 11 goals and registered six assists in 41 appearances last season (per Transfermarkt).
Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig highlighted his skill in one-on-one situations, and his average of 6.72 progressive carries per game ranks him in the top 2% of players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues (FBref).
For now, Liverpool may not urgently need another left winger, with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz already in that role. However, continued uncertainty around Diaz’s future could change that dynamic quickly.
Given his new representation and Lyon’s financial state, a summer exit for Fofana looks increasingly likely — whether his next destination is Anfield remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
