Malick Fofana celebrates after scoring during the match between Olympique Lyonnais and Toulouse on October 5, 2025(Image: ALEX MARTIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Olympique Lyonnais wonderkid Malick Fofana “didn’t want to risk” a move to Everton this summer because he wasn’t convinced it was a significant step up. That’s the claim made by the Belgium international’s agent.

Frederico Pena is the general manager at Roc Nation Sports, whose website states that they elevate athletes’ careers on and off the field through endorsement deals, philanthropic endeavours, media relations and brand strategy.

The ECHO understands winger Fofana, who joined Lyon from Gent for €17m in January 2024 and netted 11 goals in 41 matches last season, was a player of interest for Everton.

But the article from Belgian outlet De Morgen, cited by Sports Witness, claims that after the Blues had an initial bid of around €35m rejected, and that they and Fulham were...