Crystal Palace have escalated their pursuit of KAA Gent winger Malick Fofana by increasing their financial offer. The club's revised proposal on Tuesday now matches the terms put forward by Sunderland, creating a late twist in the transfer race.
According to a report from journalist Romain Molina, Palace are now confident they can secure the 20-year-old's signature. This comes after Sunderland believed they had an agreement for Fofana just hours earlier. The improved Palace bid includes higher agent commissions and a better salary package.
What does Fofana offer Palace?
Malick Fofana is a right-footed winger known for his pace and direct dribbling. He broke into the Gent first team last season and has attracted attention with his performances in Belgium's top flight. His profile fits the type of dynamic wide player Palace have targeted in recent windows. Manager Oliver Glasner could see him as an option to add depth and competition on the flanks. The club's current attacking statistics show room for improvement, having scored just once in their opening two Premier League matches. You can view the full attacking data on our stats page.
Why is this move important now?
Palace's push for Fofana comes amid a challenging start to the 2026-27 campaign. The team sits 18th in the Premier League table with zero points from two games, having lost both. Their goal difference stands at minus five, with six goals conceded. Strengthening the squad is a clear priority. The club are six points behind early leaders Manchester City, highlighting the need to close the gap quickly. This urgency makes the Fofana deal more significant as the transfer window reaches its final days.
How does this affect the squad balance?
Adding another winger would provide Glasner with more tactical flexibility. The current squad has several options in wide areas, but Fofana's youth and potential offer a different dimension. His arrival could influence selection decisions for the upcoming fixture against Fulham on September 5th. Fulham are currently 16th, making it a key early-season match for both sides. Fans can track the build-up to that London derby on our fixtures page. Any new signing would need to integrate quickly ahead of that trip to Craven Cottage.
What are the financial implications?
While the exact fee remains undisclosed, matching Sunderland's proposal represents a notable commitment from Palace. The club's willingness to increase the offer late in negotiations shows their determination to land their target. This move will impact the remaining summer budget, though the precise figures involved have not been made public. The focus now shifts to finalizing personal terms and completing a medical, should the two clubs reach a full agreement. The final decision now rests with the player and his representatives.
Palace's next match is away to Fulham on Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
