Richard Hughes is going to be busy trying to improve the creative options available to Arne Slot at Liverpool next season.
Liverpool are signing Jeremie Frimpong to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, however, there will still be a lot of creativity lost when the Englishman heads to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold has unprecedented numbers for a full-back playing in the Premier League — there’s no obvious replacement for Liverpool.
And whilst Frimpong will offer a ton of attacking threat, Liverpool might look to their midfield to replace some of the deft passes that their number 66 often delivered.
In fact, Arne Slot is thought to be after a number 10 to come in and make a difference, perhaps explaining why Liverpool want Florian Wirtz.
Although, with Bayern Munich pushing to sign Wirtz, there are still exciting alternatives on the cards for Hughes’ side.
Rayan Cherki has played his last game for Lyon
As an alternative to Wirtz, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki could be an excellent signing for Liverpool this summer.
Liverpool have made contact to sign Cherki, a 21-year-old who continues to prove his rich potential in France.
Cherki has been described as ‘exceptional’ at times, an attacking midfielder who is able to play on the wing or operate centrally.
And now perhaps to Liverpool’s interest, Cherki has just made it clear that he will be leaving his boyhood club Lyon in the summer.
Speaking after Lyon’s final league game of the season on Saturday evening, Cherki thanked those who had helped him at the club, stating that it was time to move on.
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Cherki said: “Yes, I think it was my last [game]. Now I’m cautious.
“I know what I went through last summer. It wasn’t easy for me, and I haven’t forgotten what I went through.
“I started the season at the loft, even though I never betrayed the club. I gave everything for this badge.
“It wasn’t an easy season; I was spat on a lot internally, and there was a lot of bad talk about my entourage. And yet the only man who makes the decisions is me.
“I’ll see where the wind takes me. I’m proud of the whole team, proud of what I’ve done at Olympique Lyonnais.
“I haven’t forgotten anyone, all the people who helped us on a daily basis, the stewards, Jean-Michel Aulas who was the precursor of many things, John Textor despite everything.
“Thank you all, thank you to the coaches. I’ve made so many dreams come true here.”
Cherki could be a bargain for Liverpool
Perhaps Cherki is so confident about leaving Lyon this summer because he does now only have one year left on his contract.
Lyon won’t want to lose the 21-year-old for nothing and therefore a sale could suit all parties if Cherki isn’t interested in signing a new deal.
In fact, Cherki might only cost £25m or less this summer because of his situation — a bargain for any interested clubs.
Liverpool have been scouting Cherki for some time now and the attacking midfielder has demonstrated a new level of maturity in France this season.
Man United want Cherki as well, and perhaps Liverpool should move early if they are serious about securing the Frenchman’s services.
