Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs keeping a close eye on Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, with both teams interested in a potential bargain transfer this summer.
At just 21 years old, Cherki has already made nearly 200 appearances for Lyon and is having an exceptional individual season. With 30 goal contributions—12 goals and 18 assists—in 39 appearances across all competitions, the Frenchman is living up to the immense potential that has been evident since his teenage years. This includes scoring in both legs of Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final defeat to United earlier this month.
According to The Mail, both United and Liverpool are monitoring Cherki, who is set to enter the final year of his contract. The midfielder reportedly has a verbal agreement to leave Lyon for just £25 million this summer.
In addition to the Premier League clubs, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in Cherki, who almost joined Borussia Dortmund last summer. Instead, he signed a 12-month extension with Lyon, which reportedly included an agreement to sell him this year.
While Cherki’s raw talent is undeniable, there have been concerns about his attitude on the pitch, with some questioning his maturity and work ethic. Nevertheless, nearly half of his total goal involvements at Lyon have come this season, fueling hope among his suitors that he has matured and is ready to make an impact at a top-tier club.
Despite concerns, the £25 million price tag for a 21-year-old with Cherki’s potential presents a tempting proposition, especially in today’s inflated transfer market. For comparison, United has reportedly been quoted £100 million for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, who has just one full season of senior football under his belt, which ended in relegation.
