Tottenham Hotspur are planning to revive their interest in Lyon winger Malick Fofana next summer
Tottenham Hotspur have made a strong start to the new campaign under Thomas Frank. It is a testament to how dramatically the Danish tactician has transformed the team’s mentality and performance levels in a short span of time.
However, despite the Lilywhites’ impressive start, there remain a few glaring issues within the squad that need to be addressed in the next transfer windows. Chief among them is the need for a left-winger following the exit of Son Heung-min in August.
So far, Thomas Frank has rotated between Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson in that position, but neither player has fully convinced that they are the long-term solution. The 51-year-old tactician has also tried summer signing Xavi Simons on the left flank in a few games; however, it has become clear that he must be used in his best position, i.e. the No.10 role.
Given how integral a pacey, dynamic and tricky winger is to Frank’s tactical set-up, Spurs must prioritise signing one when the transfer window reopens.
Tottenham revive their interest in Lyon winger
Tottenham were interested in signing Lyon winger Malick Fofana during the summer transfer window. In fact, they pushed for his signing during the transfer deadline day, but Spurs’ efforts were knocked back by Lyon. As they had barely any time to sign a replacement, Lyon refused to sanction the winger’s sale.
Malick Fofana, who joined Lyon from Belgian side Gent in January 2024, impressed in his debut season in France, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. The 20-year-old has also been productive in 2025/26, scoring two goals and providing an assist in his seven Ligue 1 appearances.
Now, according to journalist Mark Brus, Tottenham could target a move for Fofana next year. The Belgium international is ‘hugely ambitious’ and the French club have been made aware of his desire to secure a move away in 2026, with initial talks already taking place to sound out potential suitors for the youngster.
“I can reveal, having checked this with other people with ties to the agents industry, that initial talks have already taken place to sound out potential suitors for Fofana,” Mark Brus mentioned in the Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside.
“The 20-year-old is hugely ambitious and Lyon have been made aware of his ambitions, with multiple sources confirming that next summer is likely to be the one in which he and his representatives try to get a big move.
“Chelsea have been contacted, as have the teams Pena mentioned, Liverpool, Man City and Bayern, and I’ve also been told to look out for Manchester United, Tottenham, and Newcastle United. Expect that list to grow in the months ahead.”
Tottenham must try striking a deal in January
Boosted by a £100 million cash injection from majority owners ENIC, Tottenham plans to use a large part of the funds to strengthen the attack. Signing a left-winger should be among the priorities, and Fofana would be a good fit at N17.
A left-winger by trade, Fofana can scare defenders with his explosive pace, dribbling and movement, and turn chances into goals. The Belgian will provide a different dimension to Spurs’ attack, whilst adding depth to the squad. For the Tottenham side that are looking to rebuild under Frank, signing the Lyon talent would represent a smart long-term investment given the fact that he just 20.
However, keeping in mind that there are several European bigwigs vying for his signature, the north London must try striking a deal with Lyon for Fofana in January itself.