Fonseca backs Lyon to keep Fofana

Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca is confident Malick Fofana will remain at the club this summer, insisting the club is "not really concerned about selling" the forward despite reported interest.

Fofana joined Lyon in January 2024 from Gent and has made 82 appearances across all competitions for the French club, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists. However, the 21-year-old featured just 16 times for Lyon last season after suffering a long-term ankle injury.

The Belgium international announced his return to form on Saturday, scoring his first Ligue 1 goal since October 2025 as he netted in Lyon's 2-0 win over Toulouse. Notably, he has scored more often against Toulouse (three) than against any other team in his top-flight career.

Despite offers arriving for the winger, Fonseca is delighted to keep him, speaking ahead of Lyon's Champions League qualifying play-off second leg against Fenerbahce.

"It was a difficult period for Malick; he had surgery and came back with some pain. But now he's in a good place, he's physically fit, and he's motivated. With everything that's been said about him, he's handled the situation well mentally, and I think he'll be a player who will continue with us."

Fonseca added:

"We're not really concerned about selling Malick. If we wanted to sell him now, we have offers, but I think the club has handled the situation well. We know his quality, and if other clubs want Malick, they'll have to pay well. The club has refused offers because we have a lot of faith in our players, and I believe his value is high right now."

Fonseca's comments come in the aftermath of a high in confidence ahead of the second leg. Lyon drew the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie with Fenerbahce 1-1 as Lois Openda saw his opener cancelled out by Mason Greenwood.