Lyon winger Malick Fofana has revealed that Liverpool and Chelsea were interested in signing him during the summer transfer window.

Speaking in an interview at the weekend, the Belgian international claimed that, while the two teams were keen on securing his services, neither made a formal bid:

“There was interest from those two clubs [Chelsea and Liverpool], but ultimately it wasn’t concrete enough. I thought about a transfer, but I think it’s more important now that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon. Because I still have progress to make.”

“Of course [I want to go to the 2026 World Cup], but I realise I still have a lot to prove. I’ve already made progress. I’m now more decisive and more involved in the game.”

Fofana did reject moves to other Premier League clubs

Reports suggest that Everton and Nottingham Forest did make offers for the 20-year-old but it appears he wasn’t keen on a transfer to either of those teams.

Based on Fofana’s remarks, it seems he would have been more open to a switch to Anfield if Arne Slot’s side had decided to buy him.

Back in June, it was reported in the French media that officials had held talks with the forward’s representatives, but it looks as though things did not progress any further than that.

Could Liverpool revive their interest in the future?

The Reds didn’t really replace Luis Diaz after he was sold to Bayern Munich for £65m. It was felt that a pathway should be left open for Rio Ngumoha to compete with Cody Gakpo for playing opportunities.

For that reason, it is unlikely that the Merseysiders will reignite their move for Fofana at this stage, but things could well change over the coming months.

Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here