Liverpool “actively pursuing” Rayan Cherki transfer behind the scenes
The January transfer window is only a few weeks away, and even the teams at the top of the title race are taking steps to bolster their squads for the remainder of the season.
Liverpool currently tops the Premier League table, but ongoing rumors surrounding Mo Salah’s future have the potential to divert attention from their focus. Although the uncertainty hasn’t hindered their progress thus far, identifying fresh attacking talent is crucial.
According to report from Foot Mercato, Rayan Cherki from Lyon has become a top target for the Reds. With Ligue 1 leaders PSG also in pursuit of the 21-year-old, Cherki is gearing up to leave his childhood club in January.
Liverpool target Rayan Cherki is set to depart struggling Lyon
Lyon, under the ownership of John Textor, who also holds a significant share in Crystal Palace, is grappling with substantial and escalating debts. The club has been hit with a transfer embargo and has been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2.
Textor views the likelihood of facing major sanctions as slim, yet the combination of the transfer ban and possible relegation provides significant impetus for Cherki, who was born in Lyon, to seek new opportunities.
Cherki’s profile has been on the rise this season, with standout performances following the November international break, during which he netted two goals and assisted two more in Lyon’s four subsequent Ligue 1 matches.
In Lyon’s latest Europa League clash, he scored once and assisted twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
His capacity to play both in midfield and on either wing has caught the eye of both Liverpool and PSG, who may need to shell out around £25 million as Lyon seeks to navigate its financial challenges.
Lyon might favor selling a homegrown player to a club outside of France. There have also been reports of interest from Bayer Leverkusen.
Cherki’s contract with Lyon runs until the summer of 2026. He is currently at peak value during this contract, performing well on the pitch with 18 months left on his deal. Given Lyon’s situation, it is imperative that they take advantage of this, making his exit seem inevitable.
With 22 goals and 32 assists across 158 senior appearances for Lyon, the player is cautious regarding his prospects in public discussions, stating to the media after the matchup against Eintracht Frankfurt that, “We’ll see at the end of the season if I’m still here.”
Liverpool will be keen to return to winning ways on Sunday, when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, having drawn their last two league fixtures and conceding five goals in the process.
They retain a two-point lead over Chelsea and hold a game in hand over the league’s form team.
