Sunderland Completes £30.8m Signing of Malick Fofana After Deadline Day Drama

Malick Fofana has officially signed with Sunderland for a fee of £30.8 million after a dramatic Deadline Day transfer saga that involved multiple teams and private jets.

Initially, Sunderland reached an agreement to acquire Fofana on Deadline Day morning, but Crystal Palace attempted to disrupt the deal. The player found himself at Lyon airport with two private jets waiting for his decision—one heading to Sunderland and the other to London.

Fofana underwent a medical that both clubs had access to, and after several changes of mind throughout the day, he ultimately chose Sunderland. The deal includes an initial payment of £25.7 million, with an additional £5.14 million in add-ons.