Latest news with #Fofana
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Liverpool ‘Explore' Luis Diaz Replacement Amid Barcelona Links
Liverpool have reportedly identified Lyon winger Malick Fofana as a potential replacement should Luis Díaz move to Barcelona this summer. Díaz has been a billed as a long-term target for the Catalan giants. Barcelona sporting director Deco openly admitted that the freshly crowned La Liga champions may "need to bring in similar players" to Lamine Yamal and Raphinha after becoming "dependent" on the two prolific wingers. Díaz represents a natural option in this position. However, Liverpool are thought to be reluctant to lose their starting forward. The Reds have reportedly priced Díaz at a prohibitive €80 million (£67.2 million; $89.3 million) in order to fend off Barcelona's advances. The once cash-strapped outfit is expected to be belatedly back in line with La Liga's strict financial regulations this summer, potentially freeing up enough funds to make a such a deal. In that scenario, Arne Slot's Premier League title winners would need to replace Díaz. Fofana has been put forward as target of interest to Liverpool, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 20-year-old Belgian winger only left KAA Gent for a Lyon side flirting with relegation in January 2024 for a sum in the region of €19.5 million (£16.5 million; $22.1 million). After spending much of his first six months in France as a perennial substitute, Fofana has enjoyed a more prominent role this term. Lyon are in an even more financially delicate position than Barcelona. The historic French outfit are still at risk of dropping into the French second tier despite finishing sixth after being handed a provisional relegation from Ligue 1 due to mass debts. The side owned by American businessman John Textor, who is also the largest individual shareholder at Crystal Palace, are already saying goodbye to iconic skipper Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki. Cherki confirmed his exit after Lyon's final league game of the season and is said to be the subject of transfer interest from Manchester United as well as Liverpool. READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS, RUMORS FROM WORLD SOCCER Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool weigh up Attacker sale amid growing Barcelona interest
Diaz's Uncertain Future Signals a Possible Changing of the Guard at Anfield Liverpool's Post-Title Planning Begins Barely a few weeks on from Liverpool's Premier League triumph, the landscape around Anfield is beginning to shift. With Arne Slot now guiding the Reds into a new era, questions are already surfacing about who stays and who moves on. One key figure caught in the crosshairs of speculation is Luis Diaz, the dynamic Colombian winger whose contract runs until 2027. Advertisement At 28, Diaz remains a prized asset, yet interest from Barcelona continues to grow. Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have made Diaz one of sporting director Deco's 'priorities'. Diaz, once the poster boy of Liverpool's pressing prowess, is now said to be 'tempted' by a switch to Camp Nou. Fofana Emerges as a Target In preparation for a potential Diaz departure, Mundo Deportivo states that Liverpool are eyeing Lyon's Malick Fofana as a replacement. The 20-year-old Belgian, who has netted 11 goals this season, has impressed across Ligue 1. His current club are reportedly seeking around €30 million (£25.3m). Liverpool, England, 11th May 2025. Luis Diaz of Liverpool during the Liverpool vs Arsenal Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture credit should read: Cody Froggatt / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI_048_CF_LIVERPOOL_V_ARSENAL SPI-3930-0048 Liverpool are believed to have already made contact with the French side. While nothing is advanced, Fofana's agent Bobo Fofana has added fuel to the fire, stating: 'The choice of heart would be Liverpool. He has the potential to enter the rotation, and above all, we would like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and El Hadji Diouf.' Barca's Budget May Be an Obstacle Barcelona's interest is undeniable, but their budget could pose a stumbling block. While Liverpool would demand €70-80m (£59m–£67.4m), the Catalan club are reportedly looking closer to €60m (£50.5m). With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha likely starters, Diaz wouldn't walk straight into the XI, raising questions about whether the move truly benefits the player. Slot's First Major Decision? Arne Slot now faces his first major test in the Liverpool hotseat. Selling Diaz might bring in capital, but losing an experienced and versatile forward could be risky. With Fofana seemingly 'keen on a move to Liverpool', the timing might suit all parties – but only if the Reds believe the Lyon starlet is ready for the pressure of Anfield. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis There's no denying Diaz has been a solid servant, but this feels like a natural crossroad. If Barcelona come close to the £67 million mark, it's hard to see Liverpool not accepting. Slot will want players suited to his system and willing to grow with the project. Advertisement Fofana is raw, yes, but 11 goals in Ligue 1 at 20 is nothing to scoff at. The fact his agent openly namechecks Salah, Mane, and Diouf speaks volumes about the ambition behind the move. That said, replacing Diaz is no small feat. He's been electric at times and one of the few to step up when the chips were down. But if Diaz is already swaying mentally, then Liverpool must act decisively. Slot needs a hungry, focused squad for what's next. Letting go of Diaz while ushering in a younger, driven alternative like Fofana might just be the kind of bold refresh that reignites the next Liverpool cycle.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool eye Malick Fofana to replace Luis Diaz
Liverpool are eyeing a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Reds want him as a potential replacement for Barcelona target Luis Diaz. Diaz is on the Barca wishlist. They have pursued his signature since last summer, but their financial situation meant they could not seal a move for the Colombian. Advertisement All that will change this summer with Barcelona president Joan Laporta claiming they are back in the green. Barca will likely swoop for Diaz, and Liverpool want to be ready. Per the report, Liverpool sounded Fofana out. They have also initiated contact with the Ligue 1 giants, but nothing is advanced yet. The 20-year-old caught the eye this season, bagging five goals and four assists in 29 Ligue 1 appearances (only 16 starts). He also registered six goals and two assists in 10 Europa League outings. Despite Lyon getting knocked out of Europe, Fofana made quite the impression with an electric performance against Manchester United that made the football community take notice. Advertisement The Belgian is still inconsistent, but that is normal, considering his age. He has time to become a reliable player who can deliver week in and week out. While it remains unclear if he is ready for a big move so soon after his breakout season, the kid has bags of talent and potential. His raw numbers are almost as good as Diaz's 17 goals and six assists in all competitions despite playing significantly fewer minutes. Under Liverpool manager Arne Slot, Fofana can develop into an excellent and productive winger. Perhaps one that can take the goalscoring mantle from Mohamed Salah when he inevitably departs. Advertisement Liverpool have been moving swiftly in the transfer market after two quiet windows. They are wrapping up a deal for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong and advanced talks for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. The Premier League champions still have gaping holes in the engine room that they must address. They also need a lethal striker to lead the line next term.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea star banned from driving after racking up more points on license than Man Utd have in Premier League
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHELSEA star Wesley Fofana has been banned from driving for two years after racking up 47 points on his licence. The French international's tally would see him finish higher than several Premier League giants this season — including Manchester United, who sit on 39 points. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Wesley Fofana has been banned from driving for two years after racking up 47 points on his licence Credit: Alamy 2 Fofana was then caught five times behind the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Credit: Alamy Lavender Hill magistrates' court in South West London heard on Wednesday that he had committed eight offences in three different vehicles in less than a year. Fofana, 24, who did not appear at court, was dubbed a 'habitual speeder' by chairman of the bench John Soones, who slapped the defender with a further 38 points on top of his previous nine. Mr Soones said: 'We take into account the fact he is a habitual speeder, with access to powerful motor cars, who speeds at nearly double the speed limit.' The earliest offence was last March when he drove his Lamborghini Urus at 26mph in a 20mph zone in Brixton, South London. Fofana was then caught five times behind the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan and twice in his blue 4.0-litre Audi — all in a 50mph zone on the A3 Esher bypass. He hit speeds of up to 88mph on the route he regularly uses to get to and from his home in Kingston-upon-Thames to the club's training ground in Cobham, Surrey. Fofana, who admitted all offences, had so many they were scattered throughout the building's courtrooms. Chairman Mr Soones said: 'He's got a flush. He is in court one, two and three. But we have gathered them all together'. His lawyer Imogen Cox told the court: 'He is a young man that plays football for a living and he works extremely hard, training, and has foolishly not complied with the rules of the road.' Fofana was fined £5,328, plus a £2,131 victim surcharge and £110 in costs. Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez silences his doubters but Robert Sanchez endures a few shaky moments vs Leicester He was previously disqualified for six months in January 2023 for speeding. The player is regarded as a 'sick note' by Chelsea fans due to long absences after two major knee injuries since his £70million switch from Leicester City in 2022.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fofana forced off in first half vs Genoa, but Milan optimistic ahead of Coppa Italia final
Fofana forced off in first half vs Genoa, but Milan optimistic ahead of Coppa Italia final Youssouf Fofana was forced off less than 30 minutes into Milan's Serie A clash against Genoa, but his injury is not expected to be serious and should not jeopardise his availability for next week's Coppa Italia final against Bologna. The France international, considered one of Sergio Conceiçao's irreplaceable players, started the match at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris but went down shortly after the 20th minute. TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus runs with the ball under pressure from Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by) Injured Fofana replaced by Leao after knock at Genoa, but early signs reassure Milan The extent of the issue was initially unclear, with Fofana appearing to feel discomfort following a clash of feet with Junior Messias. Advertisement Although he attempted to continue, it quickly became evident he was struggling to run properly, prompting Conceição to replace him with Rafael Leao, who was surprisingly left out of the starting XI. UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by) According to DAZN, Fofana did not appear overly concerned after leaving the pitch. He remained on the bench with the rest of the substitutes and was later seen applying an ice pack to the sole of his foot.
