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Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyon(Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

French club Olympique Lyon have suffered relegation from Ligue 1 after failing to improve their financial situation in the eyes of the country's financial watchdog, the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG).

Liverpool could stand to benefit in the aftermath with talented winger Malick Fofana recently linked with a transfer.

Lyon had been dealt a provisional relegation from France's top tier midway through the 2024/25 campaign on the basis that should they be unable to rectify their massive €500m (£418m) debt.



Eagle Football Group, the club's owners, had took part in a meeting with the DNCG on Tuesday to attempt to prove they had done so explaining how they had used several levers, including the sale of John Textor's stake in Crystal Palace and Lyon’s women's team, but none of the these changes met the requirements.

Lyon have the right to appeal the decision, which if the outcome remains the same could have major ramifications across European football, which may include Liverpool.

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Fofana would be expected to be one of those considering their place in the southern France knowing that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is only around the corner.

The 20-year-old's exploits have already reportedly earned respect from major European suitors, including Liverpool.

And because of Lyon's predicament they may now be forced into a cut-price sale were the winger to demand a swift exit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

They signed him from Belgian side Genk for €19.5m (£16.6m) in 2024, now according to the CIES Football Observatory Fofana holds an estimated value between €34m-48m (£28.9m-40m).

Premier League rivals Chelsea hold interest alongside numerous other wingers, report the ECHO's sister site football.london.

However, if Liverpool did decide to act, they already have strong encouragement that they could win a potential battle.

Speaking about Fofana's next club, his former representatives from BF SportsPartner told Africafoot earlier this year: "The choice of heart would be Liverpool.

For him, this would be an opportunity to continue his development and, above all, to showcase his talent in a league that favours transitional play.

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"However, he'll have to choose the right club, as competition is fierce across the (English) Channel."

Since that comment was made Fofana has changed his representation to the Brazilian agency Roc Nation - possibly with the idea of a summer move in mind.
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