Lyon coach Fonseca reveals offers for Roma target Fofana but says club is 'not worried'
Quick summary
Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca confirmed the club has received offers for midfielder Youssouf Fofana, who has been linked with Roma, but stated Lyon are not concerned about losing him.
Full article
Attributed to original sourcePaulo Fonseca has confirmed Lyon have turned down offers for Malick Fofana, insisting the winger is committed to the club and will not leave cheaply.
With quotes via AlfredoPedulla.com , the former Milan coach was asked about the Belgium international’s future at his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Fenerbahce, with the tie level at 1-1. Fofana has been followed closely by Roma .
epa11787602 Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and AC Milan, in Verona, Italy, 20 December 2024. EPA-EFE/FILIPPO VENEZIA Fonseca says Lyon rejected offers for Roma target Fofana “We’re not worried about selling Malick,” Fonseca said. “If we want to sell him now, we have offers. If other clubs want Malick, they’ll have to pay. The club has rejected offers because it believes in this player, he has a lot of qualities and his value is high at the moment.”
The coach was equally clear on the player’s own position.
“His state of mind is positive, he wants to play this match tomorrow,” he said.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – JANUARY 23: Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Fenerbahce SK and Olympique Lyonnais at on January 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) “The most important thing isn’t knowing who will leave, but above all playing a great game tomorrow. It’s been a difficult period for Malick, he had surgery, he came back in pain, but now he’s fine, both physically and mentally. He’s handled this situation well and I think he’ll be a player who continues with us. He’s very motivated to continue with us.”
Lyon’s qualification hangs on the return leg, and Fonseca made plain that he intends to use Fofana in it.
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What happened
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca publicly acknowledged that offers have arrived for Youssouf Fofana, a midfielder reportedly on Roma's radar. Despite the transfer interest, Fonseca struck a confident tone, insisting Lyon are not worried about the situation. Fofana, who joined Lyon from Monaco, has attracted attention from several clubs, with Roma emerging as a prominent suitor as they look to strengthen their midfield. The comments suggest Lyon are open to negotiations only on their own terms, while Fonseca's calm messaging indicates the player remains part of his plans unless a suitable bid is tabled.
Chance analysis
Fonseca's public acknowledgement of incoming offers is a classic negotiation stance — signalling to suitors that Lyon will not be pressured into a discount. For Roma, who are reportedly keen on bolstering their midfield, this public confirmation that Fofana is available at the right price is a green light to formalise their approach. Fofana's profile as a dynamic, ball-progressing midfielder fits the kind of profile top Serie A clubs target, and Lyon's relaxed posture suggests a deal could materialise if Roma meet the asking price.
Fofana remains at Lyon for now, but a Roma move appears plausible and would weaken Lyon's midfield while boosting Roma's engine room.