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Liverpool have received a sizeable boost in a potential Malick Fofana deal should the Anfield club want to go in that direction.

L’Equipe have confirmed the Reds’ interest in the Belgian winger.

It is envisaged that Fofana will be a replacement for Federico Chiesa, who is expected to leave this summer.

While his contract runs until 2028, Lyon’s asking price ranges from €30 million to €50 million—a figure influenced by his €39.3 million valuation from CIES.

But the latest developments with Olympique Lyonnais means Liverpool could capitalize on a market opportunity.

On Wednesday, French financial watchdog DNCG confirmed will play in Ligue 2 in 2025–26, citing a failure to reduce a staggering €505 million debt burden that has plagued the club since last October.

The decision followed a provisional relegation warning issued in November, after which Lyon were given until June to repair their finances.

Despite negotiations, including owner John Textor’s personal appearance before the DNCG, Lyon was unable to demonstrate sufficient debt relief.

The impact of demotion is profound.

Broadcast revenues are set to plummet, sponsorships will be renegotiated at lower rates, and budget caps will tighten.

To balance the books, Lyon must offload high-value assets, making Fofana’s sale all but inevitable.

The club’s relegation not only compels them to accept offers below their initial valuation but also fuels player unrest, with several stars reportedly keen to preserve their top-flight careers elsewhere.

If Liverpool do want to sign Fofana, it will be at a heavily reduced price with the player itching for a move.

A perfect storm of circumstances for a club like Liverpool to swoop in.

On Fofana’s part, he is aware of the Liverpool interest, saying in April this year:

“Honestly, I hear about it (Liverpool and Arsenal) but it doesn’t affect me, so I just focus on myself, and I know when I do great that the rest will come”, Fofana said.

“I watch a lot of the Premier League, I know there is a lot of big clubs, so for the moment, I just want to make that return on the pitch.”

“In my head I said to myself – ‘this season I have to show myself to the world’.

I know I am capable of that,” he explained.

“I know my talents, I know what I can do, so it was just a matter of time?

I know people will always talk – I stay calm, I have a great mentality so I know it will come.”

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