Liverpool Are Facing Tough Competition For This Ligue 1 Winger: Is He Worth The Fight? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Independent’s Miguel Delaney mentioned that Liverpool are facing tough competition for Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana. It has been claimed that the Reds would have to rival Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham and Nottingham Forest in the race to land the Belgian wide player this summer.

Fofana’s Rapid Rise In French Football

Fofana caught the eye at times with his performances on the left side of Lyon’s attack in the previous campaign. The Belgian talent played in 41 matches for the French outfit last season, netting 11 goals and securing six assists across all fronts.

The 20-year-old did well to average 1.76 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. He kept 48.4% of his attempts on target. Fofana was even accurate when distributing possession from midfield based on his pass completion rate of 77.4% in the French top tier (stats via fbref.com).

Fofana’s current contract at Lyon will run out in the summer of 2028 which could make it difficult for Liverpool to sign him on the cheap this off-season.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 03: Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais is challenged by Neraysho Kasanwirjo of Rangers FC during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Rangers FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Ibrox Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Liverpool Are Facing Tough Competition For Fofana: Is He Worth The Fight?

Fofana can make a few driving runs with the ball out in the wide areas. He has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third and can strike the ball with venom from long range. Fofana has already added a handful of goals and assists to his game.

The Belgian sensation is primarily a left-winger but can also operate as a right-sided wide player if asked to do so. However, he might struggle to cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Reds manage to bring him on board in this summer transfer window.

We can expect Fofana to add more pace and firepower to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s frontline. He has what it takes to challenge for regular first-team football at Anfield next season.

At 20, Fofana has the potential to be a future star in English football. Therefore, he would be well worth the fight. All in all, the Merseyside club would be wise to try everything they can to acquire his services ahead of the new campaign.