Liverpool Football Club has been handed an exciting boost in their pursuit of Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who has caught the attention of several top clubs due to his dynamic performances this season. With reports indicating uncertainty regarding Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah's future at Anfield, the Reds are keenly monitoring Cherki as a potential replacement.
The 21-year-old Cherki has already made a name for himself as one of the brightest prospects in French football, boasting an impressive tally of eight goals and 18 assists in Ligue 1 this season. His dazzling displays have not gone unnoticed, especially following a stellar performance against England's Under-21 team, where he scored once and assisted two goals in a thrilling 5-3 victory last Friday night in Lorient.
Interestingly, Lyon has confirmed their intention to sell Cherki during the summer transfer window of 2025. The French club is ready to part ways with the young winger as they aim to capitalize on his rising market value. Reports suggest that Cherki and Lyon have reached an agreement that will facilitate his departure at the end of the current season, thus removing any blocks the club might pose to a potential move.
However, Liverpool will not have a clear path to securing Cherki’s services, as they face stiff competition from other prominent clubs, namely Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Both Bundesliga clubs have shown a strong interest in the winger, with Dortmund even submitting a £19 million bid in January 2025, which Lyon rejected. The bidding war reflects the growing recognition of Cherki's potential among Europe’s elite clubs.
There’s been notable interest from other Premier League clubs as well. Fulham attempted to procure Cherki back in January 2024, but their bid fell short. Crystal Palace has also expressed interest in the past, illustrating how highly regarded Cherki is within the league.
Cherki’s contract with Lyon runs until the summer of 2026, allowing Lyon to command a significant fee for their asset. As he continues to impress, he has a chance to further catch the eyes of potential suitors by showcasing his skills during the upcoming Europa League quarter-finals, where Lyon is set to face Manchester United on April 10 and April 17, 2025. Those matches could prove crucial for both Cherki and Lyon in establishing momentum leading into the summer transfer window.
As the situation unfolds, Liverpool’s management is reportedly considering other targets, including Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, indicating a proactive approach to strengthening their squad amidst potential changes. The developments surrounding Cherki, however, remain at the forefront of Liverpool’s transfer strategy, especially with Salah's uncertain situation.
With Lyon keen to facilitate a transfer for Cherki and various clubs demonstrating keen interest, the upcoming months promise to be crucial for both player and clubs alike, as the transfer saga continues to unravel in the world of football.
