Crystal Palace return to Lyon on Thursday for a Europa League clash, just over a month after losing a dramatic transfer battle with Sunderland for winger Malick Fofana.
On Deadline Day, two private jets waited at Lyon Airport, one bound for London and the other for Sunderland. Palace and Sunderland were locked in a fight to sign the 21-year-old Belgian winger.
Deadline Day drama
Sunderland had agreed a £30million deal with Lyon, but Palace sensed an opportunity when it emerged Fofana had not yet completed a medical. With both clubs at the negotiating table, Lyon watched on as Fofana's representatives tried to secure the best deal for their client.
Palace believed they had the upper hand, as manager Pierre Sage had previously worked with Fofana at Lyon. Sage called the youngster to convince him of the club's project. Palace improved their terms and increased their bid, but Sunderland responded.
Sunderland's decisive move
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus flew directly to Lyon and agreed to match Palace's bid while adjusting representative commissions. His intervention proved critical, with Sunderland submitting a Premier League Deal Sheet just before the 11pm deadline and announcing the signing at 12.15am.
Palace moved on quickly, securing a last-minute deal for Chilean winger Dario Osorio. Now, back in Lyon, Palace aim to make it two wins from two in the Europa League. Football often produces timely coincidences; this time, Palace will hope to leave with what they came for.
