Agent confirms Liverpool as “dream destination” for attacking talent

Rising talent attracting elite interest

Lyon winger Malick Fofana continues to generate growing interest across Europe, with figures close to the player suggesting a move to the Premier League could be on the horizon. The 20-year-old Belgian has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most dynamic attacking prospects, catching the attention of Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Representatives from Fofana’s agency, Roc Nation Sports, have spoken publicly about his ambitions, hinting that his long-term future lies with a European heavyweight. According to Frederico Pena, a senior figure at the agency, Fofana’s development at Lyon has set the stage for a significant career move within the next 12 months.

“This is the season where Fofana wants to show himself to the world,” Pena told DeMorgan. “If he performs at the World Cup, a move from Lyon to one of Europe’s top ten clubs is realistic. We believe Liverpool, Manchester City or Bayern Munich are the kind of environments where he belongs.”

Breakthrough campaign in France

Fofana’s emergence over the past two seasons has been a bright spark in an otherwise inconsistent period for Lyon. Across all competitions in 2024–25, he registered 11 goals and five assists in 41 appearances — numbers that underline both productivity and potential.

That form led to concrete interest from several major clubs during the summer, including Liverpool and Chelsea, though no deal was ultimately agreed. Sources suggest the Premier League sides viewed him as a future investment rather than an immediate starter, leading Fofana to prioritise regular playing time at Lyon.

Photo: IMAGO

His decision appears vindicated. The winger has already contributed four goal involvements in his last 11 matches for club and country, while showing increasing maturity in decision-making and defensive work rate — traits that appeal to Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment model under Richard Hughes and Arne Slot.

Fofana focused on growth before World Cup stage

Speaking earlier this season, Fofana acknowledged the speculation surrounding his future but made clear his short-term priorities remain in France. “There was interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, but it wasn’t concrete enough,” he said. “I thought about a transfer, but for now, it’s more important that I play a lot — that’s what I get at Lyon. I still have progress to make.”

He also spoke of his ambition to represent Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, emphasising that consistency and development remain his focus. “Of course I want to go to the World Cup, but I realise I still have a lot to prove. I’ve already made progress — I’m more decisive and more involved in the game.”

That grounded mindset, coupled with elite technical ability, has seen him become one of Belgium’s most promising young forwards.

Price tag and Liverpool’s position

Lyon are understood to value Malick Fofana at around £50 million, with his contract running until June 2028. While that figure may seem ambitious, his trajectory and international exposure could justify the valuation within a year.

Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to track his performances closely. The club’s recruitment department has prioritised young, multi-functional forwards capable of adapting to Arne Slot’s high-intensity, possession-based system. Fofana, capable on either wing and comfortable drifting centrally, fits that profile perfectly.

If he maintains form into 2026 and impresses on the world stage, Fofana could be one of the most sought-after talents in Europe — and a player who embodies Liverpool’s future-focused transfer strategy.