Deadline day saw one of football's more unusual transfer sagas unfold as Malick Fofana ultimately signed for Sunderland in a deal reportedly worth around £30.6 million. The winger's transfer was complicated by interest from multiple clubs, including Arsenal and Crystal Palace, and a series of shifting decisions throughout the day.
The day began with Arsenal registering their interest in signing Fofana as a left winger. However, the North London club later withdrew from negotiations due to the asking price. This opened the door for Sunderland to agree on terms with Fofana's club, Lyon.
Crystal Palace, managed by Pierre Sage who had previously worked with Fofana at Lyon, also entered the race. Palace agreed on financial terms with Lyon, leading to a peculiar situation where Fofana found himself at Lyon airport with private jets arranged by both Sunderland and Crystal Palace. He reportedly underwent medical examinations for both clubs in Lyon.
Sunderland's owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, personally traveled to Lyon to persuade Fofana to choose the Black Cats. During this period, Sunderland was also pursuing Dodi Lukebakio, but that transfer did not materialize as Lukebakio decided to remain with Benfica.
With less than an hour remaining before the transfer deadline, Fofana finally committed to Sunderland, having changed his mind on several occasions throughout the day. Sunderland submitted a deal sheet to secure the transfer, with the deal officially announced shortly after midnight as 12:15 am. The club's social media post humorously captioned his signing video: "It was always Sunderland."