Liverpool Have ‘Held Talks’ to Sign £42.7m Forward After Florian Wirtz – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Exploring Malick Fofana Deal Amid Flurry of Transfer Activity

Liverpool’s summer business, which already promises to be headline-grabbing with imminent deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, shows little sign of slowing. According to a report from L’Equipe, the Reds have opened discussions with the representatives of Malick Fofana, the Lyon winger who recently joined Roc Nation — the agency also managing Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli and Kevin De Bruyne.

This move to a high-profile agency, particularly one with deep Premier League links, is rarely accidental. It often signals a player gearing up for a major career move. Liverpool’s interest follows initial contact last month, with clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest also circling. However, Liverpool’s proactive approach suggests genuine intent.

Photo: IMAGO

The 20-year-old Belgium youth international has a valuation of around €50m (£42.7m). While that might seem steep, his underlying metrics point to a player who is not just potential but production.

Fofana’s Dribbling Numbers Among Europe’s Elite

For those unfamiliar with Fofana’s talents, the raw numbers are eye-catching. Last season he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 41 appearances for Lyon, primarily from the left wing. These aren’t just stats padded in low-leverage moments either — his impact was central to Lyon’s often chaotic campaign.

More importantly, his dribbling prowess stands out. A profile by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig lauded him as a nightmare for defenders in one-v-one situations. Supporting this, FBref data places Fofana in the top 2% for progressive carries (6.72 per game) among players in his position across Europe’s big five leagues over the past 12 months.

This isn’t just flair for flair’s sake. It’s targeted, purposeful progression — exactly the type of directness that Arne Slot may look to deploy in a post-Klopp system that still values width and verticality.

Squad Depth vs Market Opportunity

Do Liverpool actually need another left winger? On the surface, probably not. Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz offer proven quality in that role. However, Diaz’s name continues to surface in transfer chatter, and if the Colombian were to leave, a gap would immediately open up.

Slot has shown in the Eredivisie a willingness to rotate his wide players depending on opposition and tactical need. If Liverpool’s new head coach is planning similar strategies in England, depth will be critical, particularly across four competitions.

And even if Diaz stays, Fofana represents a long-term play. Still only 20, he has time to learn, develop and adapt. As one source close to the negotiations reportedly put it, “It’s not just about the now, it’s about the next five years.”

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Context Could Drive Decision

Lyon’s current financial situation is another layer to watch. The club are reportedly in a position where sales are not just likely but necessary. A Premier League fee in the £40-45m range may be too tempting for Lyon to resist, especially if multiple English clubs are involved.

From a Liverpool standpoint, their early discussions and apparent rapport with Roc Nation could give them a strategic edge. As ever with these deals, much will hinge on timing and player preference.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a buzz around this one, and understandably so. Malick Fofana might not be a household name to the average Premier League fan yet, but his profile screams ‘next breakout star’. As Liverpool supporters, we’ve seen this pattern before — the club moving swiftly, decisively and smartly before the wider market catches on.

Yes, there’s depth on the left, and yes, £43m is a significant fee. But if Diaz leaves — and there’s still a feeling that he might — we’d be left thin in terms of explosiveness out wide. Fofana looks like a slot-ready fit for Arne’s high-pressing, fluid front line. Plus, with Slot’s track record of improving young players, you get the feeling this could be another savvy investment from FSG.

What stands out most is his confidence in possession. He beats players for fun, carries the ball like it’s tied to his foot, and creates chances from chaos. That’s something we’ve missed at times when our front line becomes static.

It’s also encouraging to see us targeting young, upward-trending talent rather than short-term fixes. If Wirtz and Kerkez are being wrapped up, Fofana feels like the cherry on top of a fresh, dynamic rebuild under Slot. Bring it on.