(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Tottenham to rethink Malick Fofana move amid £30m development

Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Tottenham finally acquired attacking talent in what was a conflicting transfer window.

Spurs sold Son Heung-min to LAFC, ending his phenomenal 10-year spell in North London.

Many thought that the Lilywhites would replace Son, with Malick Fofana linked with a move to Tottenham earlier in the summer.

Although they have coped admirably without a replacement so far, could they go back in for Fofana, 20, in January?

Son Heung-min holds up the LAFC shirt after leaving Tottenham.
Son left North London for the United States (Credit: Imago)

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Malick Fofana move depends on current Tottenham crop

Spurs could have signed Fofana amid Lyon's relegation from Ligue 1, but in the end, their appeal was successful.

Nevertheless, interest was there, and there is every chance that the North London club could revive that in the future.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that several factors could stand in the way of such a transfer.

“I think signing Fofana certainly depends on who establishes themselves,” Wenham said.

  • Fofana has notched 24 goal contributions in 65 Lyon appearances
  • Last season, he made 29 appearances in Ligue 1
  • Already has a goal and an assist this campaign

"We've seen in the first three league games that Brennan Johnson has started all three as their left-sided player. Mohammed Kudus has come in and just nailed down the right wing spot.

"So then you've got battling for the left - Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel, and maybe Randal Kolo Muani. So we've got loads of options there.

“The fact that we've had to leave out a £30million signing tells me that we won't be signing another winger until this situation is resolved one way or the other. But let's just go and see, there's a long time from now till January.”

Malick Fofana holds out his arm for Lyon.
Fofana has impressed for Lyon (Credit: Imago)

Do Spurs need to sign Malick Fofana?

As it stands, it could be argued that Frank does not need another left-winger in his squad.

In the Premier League, Johnson has already delivered two goals to add to his already impressive numbers in North London.

While he is a natural right-winger, he has proven that he is capable of adapting to a new role under Frank.

Past Johnson, there are Tel and Odobert, who are only 20, while Kolo Muani could fit in on the wing if need be.

Tottenham have time on their side and should see how their young players progress before shelling out on another winger.

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