Malick Fofana has confirmed that both Chelsea and Liverpool were interested in signing him in the summer transfer window.
The Lyon winger was one of the most highly sought-after players on the market this year following a breakout season in which he scored 11 goals in all competitions.
Fofana, who turned 20 at the end of March, was particularly impressive in the UEFA Europa League, scoring six goals before the French outfit were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Manchester United.
The Red Devils were one of several Premier League clubs linked with the youngster, including Everton, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
Malick Fofana confirms Chelsea and Liverpool transfer interest
Lyon appeared to be prepared to sell Fofana given their financial difficulties, but he remained at the club after selling a number of other players, including Rayan Cherki, and their demotion to Ligue 2 was reversed.
The Belgium star has now revealed that both Chelsea and Liverpool held an interest in him, but explained that he chose to stay put so that he can develop his game by playing regularly in France.
“There was interest from those two clubs, but ultimately it wasn’t concrete enough,” Fofana told Het Belang van Limburg while on international duty this week.
“I thought about a transfer, but I think it’s more important now that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have progress to make.
“Of course [I want to go to the 2026 World Cup], but I realise I still have a lot to prove. I’ve already made progress. I’m now more decisive and more involved in the game.
“I’m just a normal lad and I’m keeping my cool. I don’t focus on the media either, I just do what I love to do: dribble and score.”
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