Malick Fofana has expressed his immense excitement after completing a high-profile move to Sunderland, despite a late intervention from Mikel Arteta preventing a potential switch to Arsenal. The Belgian international arrived on Wearside on deadline day, becoming a marquee addition for the Black Cats as they prepare for a historic season.
Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements took a dramatic turn on transfer deadline day as the Gunners ultimately passed on the opportunity to sign Belgian starlet Malick Fofana. Despite being offered the chance to land the highly-rated Lyon winger, Mikel Arteta opted to pull the plug on the deal during the final hours of the window.
Sunderland are on the verge of completing a dramatic deal for Malick Fofana after countering a late hijack attempt from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day. The Black Cats have moved back into pole position to secure the Lyon winger by offering improved terms, despite Palace matching their valuation and Arsenal earlier pulling out of the race.
Arsenal have officially decided against a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, opening the door for a chaotic Deadline Day battle between Sunderland and Crystal Palace. Despite the Gunners exploring the conditions of a deal for the 21-year-old, the North London side opted not to meet the French club's valuation.
Sunderland have sensationally hijacked Arsenal's pursuit of Malick Fofana, agreeing a £30 million deadline-day deal with Lyon. The highly-rated Belgium international had previously held direct talks with Mikel Arteta regarding a move to north London. However, the Gunners ultimately opted against the transfer, allowing the Black Cats to swoop in and seal a massive coup.
Initially founded as Sunderland and District Teachers A.F.C. in 1879, the club was renamed to Sunderland A.F.C. in October 1880. The club turned professional a decade later, when it joined The Football League ahead of the 1890-91 campaign.
Who are the owners of Sunderland?
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (64% stake) and Juan Sartori (36% stake) are the co-owners of Sunderland. The former first acquired shares in February 2021, joining the latter who has been associated with the club since 2018.
What is Sunderland's stadium called?
Sunderland's home stadium is known as The Stadium of Light, which replaced the iconic Roker Park in 1997. Roker Park served as Sunderland's home ground for almost a century, from 1898 to 1997.
What is Stadium of Light's capacity?
The Stadium of Light has a capacity of 49,000, making it England's ninth-largest football stadium.
How many trophies have Sunderland won?
Sunderland have won a total of nine trophies, which includes six top-flight titles as well as two FA Cups.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Sunderland won?
Sunderland have clinched the English top-flight title on six occasions. Their first win came in the 1891-92 season, while they haven't won a single league title since going all the way at the end of the 1935-36 campaign.
Who has made the most appearances for Crystal Palace?
Former English goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery holds the record for making the most appearances in Sunderland history. Montgomery made 627 appearances between 1960 and 1977 and was a part of the Sunderland team that won the 1973 FA Cup.
Who is Sunderland's all-time top goalscorer?
The Sunderland faithful will never forget the contributions of legendary striker Bobby Gurney, who churned out 228 goals in 390 appearances in what is a club record.
Which famous players have played for Sunderland?
Charlie Hurley, Simon Mignolet, John O'Shea, Jordan Pickford, Jermain Defoe, Bobby Kerr, and Jimmy Montgomery are among the most prominent players to have donned the Sunderland shirt.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Sunderland?
Bob Kyle, Roy Keane, and Sam Allardyce are among Sunderland's most famous managers.
What is Sunderland's nickname?
Previously known as The Rokermen when they played at Roker Park, Sunderland are now officially nicknamed The Black Cats based on 10,000 votes cast by the supporters through the official magazine in 2000. The nickname originates from the names of battery guns which protected the mouth of the River Wear in the 18th century.