Liverpool were linked as a possible destination for Lyon winger Malick Fofana this summer, and the player has confirmed the club’s interest and why a move never eventuated.
With Luis Diaz leaving the club, Liverpool were claimed to be in the market for a new left winger, but opted to put their faith in Rio Ngumoha and ensure his pathway was not blocked.
For a time, though, Fofana, who scored 11 goals and assisted 6 for Lyon last season, was one of several names Liverpool were touted as suitors for.
Everton reportedly submitted an official bid, but no move eventuated for the 20-year-old, who recently spoke to Het Belang van Limburg about interest from Liverpool and Chelsea.
“There was interest from those two clubs, but ultimately nothing concrete,” Fofana explained.
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“I’ve considered a transfer, but now I think it’s more important that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have some progress to make.”
Lyon were seeking €50 million (£43.3m) for the left winger, a prohibitive figure for many, and that Liverpool’s interest was never concrete underlines their belief in Ngumoha’s quality.
It was why they did not pursue a deal, with the Times‘ Paul Joyce reporting that the club “would rather create a pathway” for Ngumoha “than sign Bradley Barcola or Malick Fofana.”
It has already proved fruitful, with Ngumoha scoring the winner at Newcastle days before he turned 17 – an announcement of his first professional contract still to come.
Fofana, meanwhile, has started all three Ligue 1 games for Lyon this season, scoring and assisting in their 100 percent start – of which ex-Red Tyler Morton has more than played his part.
Liverpool’s summer business in attack instead saw them invest funds for Alexander Isak (£125m), Florian Wirtz (£116m), Hugo Ekitike (£79m) and young striker Will Wright (£200,000).
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