Malick Fofana does not want to join Everton in the summer transfer window, as he plans to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.
According to an update by reputed Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Malick Fofana is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the summer transfer window. So, the 20-year-old Lyon winger has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.
However, the highly-rated winger has dealt a blow to Everton’s prospects, as he “has other plans than joining” the Premier League club. Instead, Fofana “knows some teams playing Champions League that are waiting to make room in the squad are interested in him”, and he wants to play in Europe’s premier club football competition.
Malick Fofana and his career so far
Malick Fofana has come leaps and bounds since joining Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024. A native of Aalst, the young winger spent his formative years in Belgium and graduated from the youth division at KAA Gent. However, he has risen in prominence since moving to France, establishing himself as one of the most promising prospects in Ligue 1.
The 20-year-old was excellent in the 2024/25 campaign, contributing to 17 goals in only 2,280 minutes of game time across 41 appearances in all competitions by finding the back of the net 11 times and providing six assists. Meanwhile, Fofana’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known Premier League clubs. Everton will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Everton’s interest in Malick Fofana is understandable. The Toffees are scouring the market for a wide attacker this summer after choosing not to complete permanent deals for Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom. Fofana has thus emerged as a viable target for Everton, although they failed with their opening bid to secure his services.
However, Everton advanced the talks to sign the Lyon winger over the weekend, and they have been hoping to seal the deal in the coming days. The plans may change now, with Fofana not planning to move to the Merseyside club in the summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old Belgian international wants to play in the UEFA Champions League. Recent reports have linked Fofana with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. As for Everton, the Toffees must look elsewhere for a new winger this summer.
