Sunderland secured the record £33.5 million signing of Belgian winger Malick Fofana from Lyon after overriding a deadline day hijack attempt by Crystal Palace.
Sunderland have won the race to sign 21-year-old Belgian winger Malick Fofana from Ligue 1 side Lyon for £33.5 million, making him the most expensive signing in the club's history following a dramatic transfer deadline day tussle.
The transfer saga began when Arsenal, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, expressed late interest in the former KAA Gent youngster. However, the Gunners withdrew after hesitating to meet Lyon's £30 million asking price.
Sunderland capitalised by agreeing a £30 million financial package with Lyon and sorting personal terms for a lucrative five-year contract at the Stadium of Light. Just as paperwork was being finalised, Crystal Palace attempted a late hijack by submitting an improved £33.5 million offer that Lyon promptly accepted.
With private jets waiting on the tarmac for both London and Newcastle, Fofana initially decided to board the flight to London to join Palace. Unwilling to concede defeat, Sunderland launched a counterattack by matching Palace's £33.5 million fee and offering a significantly improved commission to Fofana's representatives.
The increased commission proved to be the decisive factor. Fofana ultimately boarded the flight to Newcastle to complete his medical and finalise his move to Sunderland, leaving Crystal Palace representatives in the dark about his change of plans.
Reporting sourced from Khel Now. Photo courtesy Khel Now.