Team News reported that Lyon defeated Lens in the first round of Ligue 1, partly because of his possession of Malik Fofana, the only main offensive player who did not leave the team this summer.

With Serki and others leaving, Fonseca is now heavily dependent on the 20-year-old Belgian winger, whose speed, impact and finishing ability are rare assets at this level. However, the Portuguese coach also knew the economic reality of Lyon's summer: the club was on the verge of bankruptcy and was eventually saved by shareholders and lenders.

Lyon, strictly regulated by DNCG, now wants to deliver on its promises, which include a large number of players selling and substantial cuts in payroll. In order to comply with the annual budget submitted to the Appeal Body, Lyon management will need to raise about €40 million.

Although they theoretically have time until June 30, 2026 to accomplish this goal, there is actually a lot of pressure. New chairman Michelle Con, shareholders and Ares Fund have driven John Textor out of the club, but they also hope to limit losses and recover costs.

Therefore, if Fofana can be sold this summer, it will be good news for the club, and this information has been spread to all levels of the club, even to the players. Fofana himself does not have a strong desire to leave before September 1, especially in the past year, he has gradually emerged in Lyon (a total of 41 appearances in various competitions last season, scoring 11 goals and contributing 6 assists). However, the club had to bear the pain of giving up, and Roc Nation Sports, a big-name agency responsible for managing the interests of Belgian players, is also working on this.

The only specific interest at present comes from Everton a month ago, who made a €36 million offer, including bonuses. Management on the Rhone asked English counterparts to raise the offer to more than €40 million without bonuses, which could shake Lyon, but Fofana rejected the Toffees proposal. At least for the moment, the winger agreed to leave, but he hopes to join a club that can compete in the Champions League to make a career leap. So he is waiting for the opportunity as Bayern Munich or Arsenal have both put him on the shortlist and the transfer market will likely accelerate everything in the last few days, especially in the Premier League.

In any case, Lyon needs to continue signings by selling players, and not many other valuable players. Niles (27, contracted to 2027) or more likely Quinbedi (20, contracted to 2027) may leave the team, while Tanner Tesman (23, contracted to 2029) may not be left if there is a significant offer. Fonseca still wants to bring in a right-wing player, and also needs a striker to share the pressure. Technical Director Mathieu Louise Jean has publicly confirmed the demand for these locations. If Fofana leaves the team, it remains to be seen whether a left winger will need to be introduced in the next ten days. Lyon's transfer market will remain very active for some time to come, and the stay and departure of the Belgian will be the key.