In a thrilling display of young talent, Rayan Cherki, the 21-year-old forward from Lyon, has caught the eyes of Manchester United and Liverpool as they both express interest in signing the rising star this summer. Cherki, who has been making waves in European football, showcased his exceptional skills during the Europa League quarter-final match against Manchester United, where he proved to be a constant threat on the pitch.
As the action unfolded on April 17, 2025, at Old Trafford, Cherki's unique ability to take set pieces with both feet left fans and pundits alike in awe. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand noted this rare skill, drawing comparisons to past players who have exhibited similar versatility. "Can I just say? Cherki? He's two-footed by way..." Ferdinand exclaimed during the match commentary, highlighting the winger's impressive corner-taking capabilities.
Manchester United, who took a 2-0 lead into halftime and were 4-2 up on aggregate, are reportedly eager to secure Cherki's signature, especially given Lyon's current financial constraints that may force them to sell at a lower price than desired. Social media buzzed with excitement as fans urged the club to act quickly. One user posted, "We should be speaking with Cherki's agent while this game is ongoing and he should be signed for the 20mil before he's back on the plane home," reflecting the growing anticipation around the player's potential move.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has also expressed interest in the talented forward, joining Manchester United in the race for his signature. Cherki's development has been closely monitored, particularly by his former coach Pierre Sage, who spoke to The Athletic about nurturing the young player's talent during his time at Lyon. Sage, who managed Cherki for 14 months, emphasized the importance of instilling confidence in the young forward, often bringing him on late in matches to allow him to play freely and express himself.
"My project with him was to help him become the player he is, to become the player he can and should be," Sage remarked, recounting a pivotal moment in March 2024 when Cherki's performance helped Lyon secure a dramatic comeback against Toulouse. Lyon was trailing 2-1 when Sage asked Cherki if he was angry or nervous. Cherki's fierce determination led to a memorable 3-2 victory, showcasing his potential as a clutch player.
As the transfer window approaches, clubs are also eyeing other talents. Arsenal is reportedly considering a move for Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman, while Manchester United and Tottenham have engaged in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding 22-year-old goalkeeper Kaua Santos. Chelsea, on the other hand, explored the possibility of signing Virgil van Dijk before he extended his contract with Liverpool.
In addition to Cherki, Liverpool is also eyeing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, while Everton looks to rival Inter Milan for the signing of Icelandic midfielder Albert Gudmundsson. The transfer market is heating up as clubs prepare for significant changes ahead of the new season.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has set his sights on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, indicating a competitive summer ahead in the transfer market. As clubs scramble to bolster their squads, Cherki’s name continues to resonate, with his dual-footed prowess making him a coveted asset.
Meanwhile, Lyon's management situation remains fluid. Following Sage's dismissal at the end of January 2025 after a poor run of results, Paulo Fonseca has taken over the reins but has faced his own challenges, including a nine-month ban from accessing the pitch or dressing rooms due to an altercation with a referee. This ban will not affect his ability to coach from the stands during European competitions, but it raises questions about Lyon's direction as they seek to stabilize their performance.
Sage, reflecting on his time at Lyon, expressed gratitude for the opportunity despite the abrupt end to his tenure. He hopes to return to coaching in one of Europe’s top leagues, ideally in England, where he believes the competition is the most exciting. "I want to begin next season either in France or elsewhere in Europe, ideally in the big five leagues," he stated, demonstrating his ambition to continue developing young talent like Cherki.
As Lyon prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the focus remains on their young stars, especially Cherki, who is poised to make a significant impact in the future. The match against Manchester United, with the tie locked at 2-2, is crucial for both teams as they aim to advance in the Europa League. Lyon's attacking mentality, as emphasized by Sage, will be key as they look to upset the odds and secure a place in the semi-finals.
With the summer transfer window looming, fans can expect a flurry of activity as clubs vie for the best talent available. Rayan Cherki's performances will undoubtedly continue to attract attention, and whether he stays at Lyon or makes a move to one of the Premier League giants remains to be seen. The excitement surrounding his potential transfer is palpable, and as the season progresses, all eyes will be on the young forward as he aims to solidify his place among Europe’s elite.
