Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki has refused to rule out a move away from his boyhood side this summer, adding further fuel to speculation that he could be on his way to the Premier League.
Said to have a $25 million (£19 million) release clause, Cherki has scored eight goals and assisted 10 for his teammates in Ligue 1 so far this season. The 21-year-old has had a very impressive campaign, and scored in both legs against Manchester United in the Europa League quarterfinals.
Cherki signed a contract extension with Lyon last summer, tying him to club until 2026 and preventing his boyhood side from losing him on a free transfer. But the Frenchman’s deal contains a modest exit clause. Liverpool is among the clubs to have been linked with a move.
Le Parisien reported earlier this week that the Reds, Spurs and Manchester City have all inquired about Cherki ahead of the summer, while PSG has been credited with an interest in some quarters.
Asked at a press conference today where his future might lie, Cherki didn’t rule out a departure. “I don’t know,” he said. “In any case, I know that I gave everything for the club.
“I did everything I could for Lyon. This is a club that I will never forget and that will always remain in my heart. I stayed when many players left.
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“Today, I have no regrets. Whatever happens, I will give everything until my last minute for the club.”
His manager, Paulo Fonseca, is a big fan of his number 18. “I have been at some big clubs and I have rarely seen this kind of player,’ he said. “Rayan is a talent. Sometimes, in the middle of a session, I ask myself: ‘How does he see these things?'”.
Liverpool has also been linked with a move for another attacking midfielder in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool.com reported yesterday that reports claiming the Reds met with his representatives are wide of the mark. However, Arne Slot’s men do hold an interest in the Germany international should the opportunity arise to sign him.
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Bayern Munich is viewed as a more likely destination for Wirtz this summer. Xabi Alonso, the Bayer Leverkusen manager, could also potentially try and take the 22-year-old with him to Real Madrid.
Liverpool.com says: Cherki and Wirtz are both hugely talented. It wouldn’t be a good sign for Harvey Elliott if either were to come in, though. He has already been struggling for minutes.
Elliott could get another chance to impress against Brighton on Monday. The Liverpool players have been taking the opportunity to rest this week, with the starting XI yet to become clear in the meaningless penultimate game of the Premier League campaign.
