Liverpool have shown “interest” in signing Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to reports in the Catalan media.

Barcelona-based newspaper Sport claim that the Reds and Arsenal are among the Belgian international’s potential suitors.

However, they believe that Barca have already “spoken” to Fofana’s representatives about a transfer next year.

The La Liga champions are weighing up alternatives if they decide against triggering the €30m (£26m) purchase clause in their agreement with Manchester United for Marcus Rashford.

Fofana has been on Liverpool’s radar for months

Arne Slot‘s side were first mentioned as a possible destination for the 20-year-old all the way back in May.

Speaking after the transfer window closed a few months later, Fofana confirmed that the Reds and Chelsea did make enquiries during the summer, but they did not follow up with formal bids:

“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.”

Strengthening the left flank is a priority

Fofana is a right-footed left winger, and it seems as if Liverpool were lining him up as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz.

There have been claims that the club opted against the move because they didn’t want to block the path of Rio Ngumoha, but the former Chelsea academy player may need more time to develop than anticipated. That could lead to an offer being made for Fofana either in January or at the end of the season.

The pacey wideman hasn’t had a great start to the campaign, with 2 goals and 1 assist in 12 appearances, but he is clearly in demand.

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