In the summer transfer window, Malick Fofana joined Sunderland after a controversial saga and Hull City landed Brooke Norton-Cuffy, beating several clubs to the deal. Their representatives have now spoken about the transfers.
In the summer, Sport Witness covered Everton being in the chase for the Englishman. Norton-Cuffy had grown significantly at Genoa and it became clear they were open to his sale.
Late in the window, Hull City secured him, beating competition from Venezia.
The saga involving Fofana was more dramatic. Crystal Palace and Sunderland were battling on deadline day, as the player left Lyon to end up at the Stadium of Light.
No regrets over deals
Both players are represented by RocNation, whose Head of Football Alan Redmond spoke to AdnKronos about several summer deals.
He placed special emphasis on Fofana’s move to Sunderland, and appeared quite happy with it.
Redmond said: “Sometimes a small transfer is very satisfying due to the finer details. Sometimes, a big transfer is a joy because the player reaches a higher level. Think of Malick Fofana, who moved from Lyon to Sunderland this summer.”
“We believe he’s a really good player for the Premier League. His move was very important, as was Yan Diomande’s move from Leipzig to Real Madrid.”
Redmond also added details to Norton-Cuffy’s move to Hull City. He revealed that the attraction of the Premier League proved too much for the right-back.
“And then Brooke Norton-Cuffy, from Genoa to Hull City. He could have stayed in Serie A; he loved Italy, the city, and was very happy with De Rossi, but in the end, the lure of the Premier League was too strong, and he decided to return to England.”
Our take: Players have taken important steps
Fofana has the chance to play in Europe at Sunderland, which is a step in the right direction. The Black Cats have a good record of signing several players from France. Regis Le Bris can help the Belgian, who will soon start playing regularly.
For Norton Cuffy, a move to Hull City came as more of a surprise. He was being linked with other clubs – like Everton and Fulham.
The 22-year-old now has the chance to establish himself in the Premier League.
