Liverpool will step up their pursuit of 20-year-old Lyon sensation Malick Fofana once Federico Chiesa secures a move away.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool remain keen on acquiring the services of Malick Fofana, but they have put the move on hold for now as they look to get Federico Chiesa off their books. As soon as the Italian international’s return to Serie A is finalised, the Reds will start making moves to sign the Olympique Lyon forward.

Chiesa was considered one of the best talents in Italian football a few years back, but things haven’t been that great for him of late. After struggling with injuries and form at Juventus, he joined the Merseyside club last summer in the hope of reviving his career.

However, the move hasn’t worked out for the 27-year-old winger as he failed to cement his spot in the team under Arne Slot. Chiesa is unlikely to have an important role at Liverpool next season as well; as a result, he is pushing for a move away from the club.

The Reds are also ready to sanction his departure as long as they can recoup a part of what they had invested. Multiple Serie A clubs are interested in his signature, and Liverpool are hoping they can finalise his departure in the coming days.

Chiesa’s departure will make room for Fofana

They have already identified an ideal replacement in Malick Fofana, who can even be considered an upgrade given his form and massive potential. With Luis Diaz’s future also uncertain, signing a new winger is one of the top priorities for the Reds, who have been very busy this summer.

Fofana came up the ranks at KAA Gent before joining Lyon at the start of 2024. He has only gone from strength to strength over the last 18 months and is considered one of the best young wingers in the world. Last season, the 20-year-old was involved in 41 matches, and he ended up contributing towards 17 goals.

Liverpool have been monitoring him for a while now and consider him an ideal fit for their system. The Merseyside club’s scouts rate him very highly, and the club are ready to make a move for his signature in the near future.

The move currently remains on standby. As soon as Chiesa’s departure is finalised, the Reds will knock on Lyon’s door. With his contract running until 2028, the French club will certainly demand a significant fee for Fofana.