Malick Fofana has chosen Sunderland and leaves Royal Antwerp FC for a transfer fee between 35 and 40 million euros. Simultaneously, the Jupiler Pro League club has confirmed the arrival of 21-year-old defender Alvaro Cortes from Barcelona. HLN Voetbal reports this week, just before the closure of the Belgian transfer deadline on September 3.
The club currently sits ninth in the Jupiler Pro League with 7 points from four matches. Their recent form is LDWW, having scored 10 goals and conceded 9. Antwerp trails leaders Charleroi by 5 points.
The 21-year-old Malick Fofana has opted for a future at Sunderland after agreement was reached between the clubs. Crystal Palace was also interested in the winger. According to ABD, speaking to reporters, both English clubs agreed with Olympique on a transfer fee of around 40 million euros. "There is an amount between 35 and 40 million euros involved in the move," ABD said. "The paperwork is being finalized now, and tomorrow the winger will fly from Lyon to England." Fofana's medical tests were completed in the French city.
Royal Antwerp FC strengthens its squad with the 21-year-old left-footed central defender Alvaro Cortes. The Spaniard arrives from FC Barcelona, where he also featured for the first team. Cortes has signed a four-season contract with Antwerp. His arrival is meant to broaden the club's defensive options, especially with a busy schedule ahead. The full squad can be found on our squad page.
The double transfer activity comes at a key moment. Antwerp is in the middle of the league campaign and needs to close the gap to the frontrunners. The next assignment is an away match against Standard Liege, to be played on September 5, 2026. Standard currently sits fifth. The live standings can always be followed on our standings page. The sale of Fofana brings in a considerable sum, while the arrival of Cortes aims to rejuvenate and reinforce the defense.
The Belgian transfer deadline closes on September 3 at midnight. The same closing time applies for top competitions in other countries. With the arrival of Cortes and the departure of Fofana, Antwerp has therefore concluded its business in time. It gives the coach and technical staff time to integrate the new defender before the match against Standard. All upcoming matches are listed in our fixtures overview.
Alvaro Cortes will try to make his mark on Antwerp's defense over the next four years, starting with the away game in Liege.
