Lyon president John Textor has admitted that Rayan Cherki’s future at the Ligue 1 club is uncertain amid suggestions that Liverpool is among the clubs keeping an eye on his situation.
The French giant faces a tricky spell ahead after the news that it needs to raise funds to avoid the threat of relegation. Lyon has been hit with a provisional demotion to Ligue 2, as well as a transfer ban, because of its financial position.
“We lost €15m ($16m) from his sale last summer… but his value is now way higher,” Textor said (via Fabrizio Romano on X). “He should stay in January but it’s up to Rayan. He decides what he wants to do.”
The 21-year-old attacker was rumored to be the subject of an inquiry from Liverpool during the summer transfer window and Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Fulham, West Ham and Real Madrid have all been credited with an interest too.
The Reds, of course, brought in Federico Chiesa from Juventus in the end. Cherki stayed with Lyon but his current employer could now have a need to cash in if its future is to be secured. Earlier in the week, L’Equipe suggested Liverpool as being one possible destination with a mooted price tag of around $27m (£21m/€25m).
Cherki has been compared to former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard due to his build, ability to dribble, and quality with either foot. He has made 152 appearances for Lyon so far, scoring 19 goals and assisting 28.
Liverpool.com says: Cherki looks like a decent young talent but Liverpool has a lot of options in attack already. If another is needed, it might make more sense to give Ben Doak a go when he returns from his loan spell with Middlesbrough. The Scotland winger has been playing well so far and was in great form for his country against Croatia earlier this week.
