Lyon’s shining talent Rayan Cherki is set to spark a fierce battle among Premier League teams, having indicated his readiness to change clubs in the upcoming summer transfer market. The skilful 21 year old forward has had an outstanding 2024/25 season with Lyon and is all prepared to bid adieu to France as the transfer window gears up next month.
Cherki boasts a tally of 12 goals and 20 assists from 44 outings for Lyon this term and turned heads with his stellar showings against Manchester United. He made a significant impact in both fixtures of Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final encounter with Ruben Amorim’s team – and now multiple clubs are lining up for his signature.
In April it emerged that Manchester United lead the chase for the promising young star, who has been monitored since he was a budding talent. The offer to join United’s youth ranks was once on the table when Nicky Butt helmed the academy, but Cherki chose his local team instead.
It’s rumoured that his Lyon contract holds a €22.5million (£19m) release clause, presenting him as quite the steal in today’s market. This detail sees the likes of United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester City, plus overseas squads like Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan eager for his signature, per French media.
Following a confident 2-0 victory over Angers in their season finale, Cherki strongly suggested his impending departure. His parting words were: “Thanks to OL, the coach, the staff, the president, my teammates and all people at the club.”
While his future club is yet to be determined, Cherki’s prowess on the pitch is undeniable. The young Frenchman has shone for France Under-21s, netting 13 goals in 23 appearances, and it’s widely anticipated that he’ll receive a call-up to the senior Les Bleus squad this summer.
(Image: OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas has been effusive in his praise, remarking: “Cherki is comparable to Messi in terms of technical quality.”
Despite the comparisons, Cherki himself admires Cristiano Ronaldo more. In an interview with Telefoot, he expressed: “I had lots of idols but the one that I think is the best and the example to follow is Cristiano Ronaldo,” citing Ronaldo’s dedication and career longevity as the standards to emulate.
He further stated: “I am here to provide joy for people and to also enjoy myself too and I think that is what makes the difference, whilst being efficient all the while.”
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His teammate at Lyon, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, has nothing but high regard for him. Speaking to the BBC, Maitland-Niles said: “He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen,” describing Cherki as a masterful, magical presence on the field who elevates the team with his daring plays and skillful dribbling.
“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse. He is now working for the team off the ball and has gone to another level this season.”
