Malick Fofana Transfer Race Heats Up as Nottingham Forest and Top Champions League Clubs Circle

Nottingham Forest have a deal with Olympique Lyon to sign Belgian winger Malick Fofana. However, the 20-year-old has not yet agreed to join, as he is waiting due to interest from Champions League clubs like Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Napoli.

A previous report confirmed that Nottingham Forest have a transfer deal with Lyon for Malick Fofana.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Nottingham Forest were first in the transfer race by agreeing a deal with Lyon for Fofana. The player is considered one of Europe’s most promising young attackers. However, Nottingham’s dream has hit a block, as the player is waiting to see clubs with Champions League football, like Chelsea, Bayern, and Napoli, make formal offers. Fofana is highly wanted after a brilliant season in Ligue 1, where he scored 11 goals and recorded six assists for Lyon in 2024/25, despite the club’s relegation to Ligue 2 after failing to clear debts. Lyon’s relegation resulted in an exodus, with Fofana evolving as their most valuable asset and likely to leave this summer.

A previous report confirmed that Malick Fofana scored 11 goals and had six assists last season.

THE PLAYER’S RISE AND THE TEAMS INVOLVED

Fofana, who joined Lyon from KAA Gent in early 2024, has already played 62 times for the French side and established himself in the Belgian national team. He can play across the front line, though he is most effective on the wings. Nottingham Forest, having secured European football for next season, are eager to add his attacking firepower to their squad. However, clubs like Chelsea, Bayern, and Napoli, all of which offer Champions League football in 2025/26, are also targeting the player. Chelsea in particular are in need of more creativity and width—attributes Fofana can provide.

Nottingham Forest finished seventh in the Premier League last season, earning a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League. A previous report confirmed that Nottingham Forest finished seventh in the Premier League last season.

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE TRANSFER SAGA?

With Lyon’s future in Ligue 1 still uncertain due to their ongoing appeal, Fofana’s situation remains unclear. The winger is likely to keep his options open for a transfer to a major club competing in the Champions League. Nottingham Forest will need to convince him that their project is the right step, but they face strong competition. Nottingham’s next match is in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds, having finished seventh in the Premier League last season. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Bayern, and Napoli are all preparing for Champions League group stage action, making them attractive options for the ambitious Belgian. Expect more developments in the coming days as Fofana decides where his future lies.

A previous report confirmed that Nottingham Forest stopped talks to sign Tim Weah and Samuel Mbangula from Juventus due to dissatisfaction with the contract terms.