Fofana Set to Leave: Lyon and Roma Close to €35M Deal

Olympique Lyonnais is preparing to part with Malick Fofana. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, which confirms information from Fabrizio Romano, a deal is virtually sealed between Lyon and AS Roma for the transfer of Belgian winger Fofana, for a total estimated at €35 million.

The operation will not take the form of an outright transfer. The structure envisaged includes a loan with a fee of approximately €5 million, coupled with a conditional purchase option set at €30 million, to which various bonuses and a percentage on any future resale of the player in Lyon’s favour would be added.

The Rhône-based club, still under DNCG observation following financial turmoil linked to the management of former owner John Textor, is forced to maximise its revenue. Fofana, one of its most bankable assets despite a lengthy injury that marked his season, represents the most immediate financial lever.

Lyon has, however, set one condition for Roma’s representatives: keeping Fofana for the duration of his two Champions League qualifying matches against Fenerbahçe. The first leg takes place Tuesday evening in Turkey, the second is scheduled at Groupama Stadium on 26 August.

On the Roman side, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini sees in this operation an opportunity to form an attacking duo with Rodrigo Mora, the attacking midfielder from FC Porto whose arrival in Rome is also imminent after an agreement between the two clubs was reached. The Italian coach dreams of pairing the two players; he is close to getting his wish.