Fonseca insists Fofana will stay at Lyon despite Roma transfer rumours

Paulo Fonseca surprised everyone on Tuesday at his press conference: the Olympique Lyonnais manager insists that Malick Fofana will remain at the club, despite Italian reports suggesting an imminent transfer to AS Roma.

The 21-year-old Belgian winger has been tipped to leave for several weeks, with Lyon looking to boost its finances under DNCG oversight. But Fonseca was keen to end speculation ahead of a crucial match: “I think he’s a player who will stay with us. I feel that Malick is very motivated to continue, but also for the match that is important for us.”

The Portuguese manager also addressed the lengthy injury that had sidelined Fofana last season. “It was a difficult period for Malick. He went through surgery with pain as a consequence.” An episode now behind him: the Belgian international scored in the opening day of Ligue 1 in the victory at Toulouse (0-2), confirming a remarkable return to form.

Yet the reality of the transfer market could contradict Fonseca’s statements. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported days ago that a deal was virtually agreed between Lyon and AS Roma, in the form of a paid loan with a purchase option worth around €35 million. A sum that would represent significant breathing room for a club forced to present balanced accounts.

OL face Fenerbahçe on Wednesday evening in the Champions League playoff return leg. Whether Fofana is still a Lyon player in a week or not, his manager is counting on him to overcome this European hurdle.