Crystal Palace: The inside story of fascinating transfer saga as Pierre Sage has clear mission on Lyon return

As we entered the closing stages of a record-breaking summer transfer window, two private jets sat waiting on the tarmac at Lyon Airport, one bound for London and the other for Sunderland.

This was Deadline Day drama at its very best as Crystal Palace and Sunderland jostled to sign the enigmatic young Belgian winger Malick Fofana.

If Lyon is widely considered the birthplace of cinema, then this was a movie befitting of the location.

Crystal Palace pushed to sign Malick Fofana in the summer transfer window - but the winger joined Sunderland

Getty

With two clubs now at the negotiating table, Lyon were happy to let battle ensue, watching on as Fofana’s representatives tried to secure the best deal for their client against the clock.

Palace thought they had the upper hand, with manager Pierre Sage previously having worked with Fofana at Lyon, and he put in a call to convince the youngster of the club’s project.

Improved terms were offered, and Palace increased their bid for Fofana, but Sunderland hit back, determined to get their man.

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus flew directly to Lyon and agreed to match Palace’s bid, while adjusting representative commissions.

If Lyon is widely considered the birthplace of cinema, then this was a movie befitting of the location

Now, just over a month on from their failed pursuit of Fofana, Palace are back in Lyon as they look to make it two wins from two in the Europa League on Thursday.

Football has a habit of throwing up timely coincidences. This time, though, Palace will hope to leave with what they came for.