Malick Fofana and the Wide Game at Liverpool

As Liverpool look to defend their Premier League title and refresh their identity under Arne Slot, attention is turning toward the future of the club’s attacking structure. And in a summer where outgoings are shaping the headlines just as much as arrivals, the departure of Federico Chiesa may soon open a door for one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers: Malick Fofana of Lyon.

Just 20 years old and already carving out a reputation in Ligue 1, Fofana is being closely monitored by Liverpool’s recruitment team as a potential addition with both immediate utility and long-term promise. With Chiesa expected to return to Serie A and the forward depth chart in flux, Fofana’s name isn’t just speculative—it's tactical.

Who Is Malick Fofana?

A product of the KAA Gent academy in Belgium, Fofana joined Lyon in early 2024 and quickly adjusted to the rigors of French top-flight football. Despite Lyon’s turbulent season, Fofana emerged as one of their few bright spots: agile, composed, and tactically intelligent beyond his years. In 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season, he registered 4 goals and 6 assists, mostly from the right wing, but often drifting across the front line to exploit space.

What stands out most about Fofana isn’t raw pace or flair—though he has both—but how seamlessly he operates in tight spaces. He excels in transitional play, links well with midfielders, and shows a keen sense for when to dribble versus when to release the ball. His pressing instincts, honed through Belgium’s youth national teams, have made him a favorite of tacticians and analysts alike.

Replacing Chiesa with a System Player

Liverpool’s 2024 signing of Federico Chiesa was seen as a calculated gamble—an attempt to inject experience and explosiveness into the wide areas. The Italian international arrived with pedigree and final-third threat, but never fully embedded himself in the system. Limited to just 14 appearances last season, he often struggled to find consistency within the fluid, high-pressing setup preferred by Arne Slot.

Now, with Chiesa reportedly attracting interest from Serie A clubs like Napoli, Atalanta and Roma, a move away from Anfield appears increasingly likely. While no deal has been confirmed, Liverpool’s recent activity suggests they are preparing for life without him.

In contrast, Malick Fofana represents a player molded for Slot’s philosophy. He’s not an end-product winger who waits for moments to pounce—he’s a constant presence. Whether it’s pressing fullbacks, doubling up defensively, or drifting into midfield to help build play, Fofana stays connected to the rhythm of the game. He reflects the traits of a modern, system-first attacker: active without the ball, fluid with it, and committed to every phase of play.

Where He Fits in the Squad

If signed, Fofana wouldn’t be a day-one starter—but that’s part of the logic. With Liverpool’s wide options including Luis Díaz (barring a transfer away), Cody Gakpo, Ben Doak, and potentially Rio Nguhoma, there's a healthy rotation to integrate into. But Fofana offers a unique blend of attributes that few others on the roster match:

➤ Right Wing Rotation

Fofana is most comfortable on the right, where his ability to cut inside, combine with a central attacking midfielder, or hit diagonal passes suits Slot’s buildup pattern. He could spell Salah in cup games or European group matches, while learning the pressing patterns and attacking triggers required at Anfield.

➤ Left-Sided Inversion

If Slot chooses to invert his wingers—bringing them into the half-spaces while fullbacks stretch the width—Fofana can operate on the left, driving inward onto his stronger right foot. This would complement someone like Gakpo, who tends to drift into the striker role when needed.

➤ Inside Forward in a Narrow 4-2-2-2

One of Slot’s preferred transitional shapes is a narrow 4-2-2-2, with the “wingers” acting more like attacking midfielders. Fofana’s ability to slip passes between lines or link with a false 9 makes him ideal for this role. It’s easy to imagine him operating in tandem with Szoboszlai, constantly rotating and breaking lines.

Development, Not Just Depth

There’s a temptation to view Fofana as simply “another young winger” in Liverpool’s growing list—but the reality is far more strategic. Arne Slot and Liverpool’s recruitment team aren’t just stacking talent—they’re layering roles to future-proof the squad tactically and financially.

Each wide player offers a unique dimension: Cody Gakpo brings composure and central link-up, Ben Doak adds raw verticality and directness, while Luis Díaz, when fit, offers chaos and one-on-one explosiveness. But with Díaz reportedly drawing serious interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Liverpool may soon lose their most traditional dribbler and ball-carrying threat.

That possibility makes a move for Malick Fofana even more compelling. He wouldn’t arrive as a like-for-like Díaz replacement—but as a bridge between what Liverpool are now and what they are becoming. Fofana can adapt across both flanks, understands positional play, and fits the system-first mentality Slot is building. He’s not just ready to deputize—he’s built to develop.

His age, intelligence, and composure on and off the ball make him a rare profile in the current market—especially if Lyon are open to negotiating in the €30–35 million range. For Liverpool, this wouldn’t just be depth. It would be succession planning.

A Move That Matches the Moment

As Liverpool continue with life under Slot with silverware already in hand, the next phase is about evolution, not revolution. Signing Malick Fofana would not be a headline-grabbing moment—but it would be a signal of intent. This is a team thinking two steps ahead, layering talent, and preparing for stylistic shifts.

Fofana doesn’t need to be a star today. He needs to be someone who fits tomorrow. And for a club increasingly obsessed with alignment between recruitment and system, that may be the most valuable asset of all.