Transfer talk rarely takes a break — even when the players do. During this international pause, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool regroup after a rough patch of form, an unexpected transfer story has given fans something to smile about.
Frederico Pena, the executive director of Roc Nation Sports — the agency founded by Jay-Z — has hinted that one of his clients could be destined for Anfield.
Pena represents Malick Fofana, the 20-year-old Belgian winger currently shining at Lyon, and he believes the youngster is ready to take the next step in his career.
Speaking to De Morgen (via Sport Witness), Pena said:
“This is the season in which Fofana wants to show himself to the world, especially at the World Cup. If he succeeds, he can move from Lyon to a top 10 club. At Roc Nation, we strongly believe in him. Liverpool, Bayern, Manchester City — those are the clubs where he belongs.”
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A new star on Liverpool’s radar?
It’s not the first time Liverpool have been linked with Fofana. French outlet L’Équipe reported earlier this year that preliminary talks had already taken place between the Reds and the player’s representatives.
Fofana himself seems aware of the ongoing attention. Earlier this year, he said:
“Honestly, I hear about it (Liverpool and Arsenal) but it doesn’t affect me. I just focus on myself, and I know when I do great that the rest will come.”
“In my head I said to myself — this season I have to show myself to the world. I know I am capable of that.”
The young winger has enjoyed a breakthrough spell at Lyon, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven times in 41 appearances last season. With Belgium likely to include him in their World Cup squad, the timing of this development couldn’t be better — for both player and agent.
Pena added that Fofana is “gradually ready for a transfer” and revealed Roc Nation’s broader plan:
“We want to guide players who can shine at the World Cup in the United States, the birthplace of Roc Nation. Fofana fits that profile perfectly.”
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What it means for Liverpool
Liverpool already spent heavily in the last window, rebuilding their attack with Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike. Still, with the club’s recruitment model built on long-term potential, a move for a rising star like Fofana would fit perfectly.
The Reds’ frontline might look stacked, but with Arne Slot keen to maintain depth and competition, an emerging winger could be just the kind of addition that keeps the system fresh.
Besides, as Liverpool fans know all too well, when an agent publicly mentions Anfield — it’s rarely just talk.