Malick Fofana reveals why he chose £31m Sunderland move over Crystal Palace after Régis Le Bris promise
Malick Fofana has revealed fresh details about his deadline-day move to Sunderland, including the role played by Régis Le Bris and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus
Malick Fofana has revealed how Régis Le Bris' promise of playing time and Sunderland's determination to secure his signature convinced him to complete his dramatic £31million deadline-day move to the Stadium of Light.
The Belgian winger joined Sunderland from Lyon in a deal worth an initial £26million, potentially rising to around £31million with add-ons, following a remarkable transfer battle with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
The Eagles attempted to hijack Sunderland's agreement on the final day of the summer transfer window, with their manager Pierre Sage having previously worked with Fofana at Lyon. Both clubs agreed deals with the French side, while reports suggested two private jets were waiting at Lyon airport as the winger considered his options.
Sunderland eventually secured his signature after a late intervention from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, who travelled to France as the club attempted to conclude the deal before the deadline. However, while supporters were anxiously following developments, Fofana has revealed he was remarkably relaxed about the situation, spending much of the day waiting at home.
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"Nothing, I was just at home chilling," Fofana told The Echo when asked about the deadline-day drama. "It was a bit on and off, but I was just at home waiting." Asked whether he had been nervous about such a significant move at a young age, Fofana added: "Yeah, of course, I knew I was just at home waiting, so I was not stressed about anything. So, yeah, I was just relaxed."
The winger also revealed that Sunderland's determination to sign him played a decisive role in his decision, with Le Bris outlining his plans for the youngster during discussions before the transfer. "Yeah, it was mostly the club; they really showed that they wanted me, so it was like, how you say, a quick choice," he explained. "Yeah, like a quick choice because they really showed interest and they really believed in me and the project also. I spoke a lot with the coach, so it was very important for me."
Asked specifically what Le Bris had said to persuade him to move to Wearside, Fofana explained that the prospect of regular opportunities was particularly appealing. "He said I will have playing time for me; it's an important thing, so I'm young, I still need to learn. And, yeah, his project, he explained very well, and it suits me, so, yeah, I'm very happy."
Louis-Dreyfus was also involved in convincing Fofana of the club's ambitions, with the winger confirming that he had spoken to the Sunderland owner over the telephone during the transfer process. "Not directly, but through the phone," Fofana said when asked whether he had spoken to Louis-Dreyfus. "And he explained, like I said, the club really showed that they wanted me, so that's why."
Despite his difficult start to the Premier League campaign, Fofana insists he has felt at home on Wearside from the moment he arrived. "Since day one, I feel the warm welcome, so I feel already at home. I'm very happy here. So, yeah, I'm just enjoying the moment."