Manchester City, who underwent significant attacking restructuring in the summer, could soon have another Lyon talent on their radar following the successful arrival of Rayan Cherki at the Etihad Stadium.
Under the direction of newly appointed sporting chief Hugo Viana, the Premier League champions revamped their forward options by bringing in Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, while allowing several senior players to leave. This included Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, who departed after years of service in midfield, as well as James McAtee and Jack Grealish, who joined Nottingham Forest and Everton respectively.
The reshuffle marked a new chapter for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a team now adapting to life without the creative heartbeat of De Bruyne, whose influence defined City’s attacking play since his £55 million move from Wolfsburg in 2015.
City’s transition last season proved challenging, as they finished third in the Premier League and suffered a Round of 16 exit from the UEFA Champions League. However, the addition of high-profile signings such as Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain has sparked new optimism and competition within the squad.
After a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign — with early defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion — Manchester City have now found their rhythm, going unbeaten in all competitions since late August and climbing to fifth place in the Premier League table.
As the club gears up for a crucial run of fixtures, including a return clash against Everton and their former player Jack Grealish, attention is already turning to potential business in future transfer windows.
In a recent interview with De Morgen, as cited by Sport Witness, Fofana’s agent Frederico Pena called on Europe’s biggest clubs — including Manchester City — to take notice of his client’s rising form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“This is the season in which Fofana wants to show himself to the world, especially at the World Cup,” Pena said. “If he succeeds, he can move from Lyon to a top 10 club. At Roc Nation, we strongly believe in him. Liverpool, Bayern, Man City – those are the clubs where he belongs.”
The 19-year-old Belgian has become one of Lyon’s most exciting prospects, known for his blistering pace, creativity, and intelligent movement — qualities that could make him a natural fit for Guardiola’s system. Fofana’s rise mirrors that of his former teammate Rayan Cherki, who made a high-profile switch to Manchester City during the summer.
While there has been no official approach from City yet, the agent’s remarks may reignite interest from the Etihad hierarchy as they continue to scout Europe’s top young talents under Hugo Viana’s leadership. Given Manchester City’s track record of developing young attacking players into world-class stars, a move for Fofana could align perfectly with the club’s recruitment philosophy.
FAQ
Who is Malick Fofana?
Malick Fofana is a 19-year-old Belgian forward currently playing for Olympique Lyonnais. He is known for his pace, technical ability, and versatility across the front line.
What did Fofana’s agent say about Manchester City?
Fofana’s agent, Frederico Pena, named Manchester City, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich as the type of elite clubs where his client “belongs,” urging them to consider him for a future transfer.
Could Manchester City be interested in Fofana?
While there is no formal contact yet, Fofana’s profile fits Manchester City’s ongoing strategy of recruiting young, dynamic attackers following the arrivals of Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders.
Why is Manchester City restructuring their attack?
City’s attacking reshuffle follows the exits of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and other senior figures. The club aims to build a younger, more versatile frontline capable of sustaining success over the next decade.
When could a move happen?
Fofana’s future could gain clarity after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where his performances are expected to attract strong interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
Conclusion
Malick Fofana’s growing reputation and his agent’s open invitation to clubs like Manchester City underline the Belgian’s ambition to step onto the world stage. With City’s evolving project under Hugo Viana and Pep Guardiola, a potential move for Fofana could further strengthen the club’s next generation of attacking talent. Whether City act on this opportunity remains to be seen, but all signs suggest that the young forward is destined for one of Europe’s elite teams.
