Lyon forward was tempted by Man Utd move before transfer window shut, Jorge Mendes worked on deal

Manchester United were busy in the summer transfer window.

After welcoming five new players to Manchester United in the summer, Ruben Amorim took the opportunity to strengthen multiple areas of his team following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

It was clear from the beginning of the summer transfer market that United were prioritising attacking positions. That was evident with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo before Benjamin Sesko joined towards the end of the window.

United were also linked with other attacking players, some of whom signed for other Premier League clubs, including Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres.

It has now emerged that United were offered another forward player before deadline day.

Malick Fofana was keen on Man Utd transfer

There is never a shortage of transfer targets at United.

Hundreds of footballers get linked with United every year, and 2025 has been no different.

The latest from Footmercato suggests that United were offered Lyon forward Malick Fofana in the last two days of the transfer window.

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It is alleged that the Red Devils tried to sign the Belgian youngster after Alejandro Garnacho joined Chelsea and Cunha picked up an injury in United’s 3-2 win over Burnley in the Premier League.

World-renowned football agent Jorge Mendes acted as an intermediary, attempting to strike a deal that would have seen Fofana sign for United.

Fofana was tempted by the idea of signing for United, but the green light never came for a deal to materialise.

It remains to be seen whether United will re-enter the bidding for Fofana in the future.

How did Fofana play against Man Utd?

United knocked Lyon out of the Europa League quarter-finals last season.

After missing the first leg with a knee injury, Fofana came off the bench for the second leg at Old Trafford.

Fofana impressed and won a penalty after Luke Shaw fouled him inside the box.

Lyon went on to lose the game 5-4 after extra time.

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