Report: Liverpool Face Competition From Barcelona in the Race to Sign ‘Talented’ Forward | OneFootball

Barcelona’s Entry into Rayan Cherki Race Adds Intrigue to Liverpool’s Plans

Liverpool’s roaring start to life under Arne Slot has brought fresh optimism to Anfield, with the Reds dominating both the Premier League and Champions League. However, the club’s ambitions aren’t limited to the pitch. Transfer speculation continues to swirl, with Lyon’s Rayan Cherki emerging as a potential target for the Reds.

But according to El Nacional, Barcelona has now entered the race for the 21-year-old winger, intensifying competition for his signature. The Spanish giants reportedly see Cherki as a versatile attacking talent who could bolster their front line, adding a layer of complexity to Liverpool’s pursuit.

Liverpool’s Interest in Cherki Amid Lyon’s Financial Crisis

Liverpool’s need for fresh attacking depth is no secret. Despite Federico Chiesa being the club’s sole summer signing, reports have linked the Reds to Cherki, whose technical flair and positional flexibility have made him a standout prospect in Ligue 1.

Photo: IMAGO

Lyon’s financial woes play a significant role in Cherki’s potential availability. Facing administrative relegation due to severe financial strain, the French side is reportedly obligated to raise €100 million through player sales. Cherki, one of their most marketable assets, could be placed on the market sooner rather than later.

Speaking to the media, Lyon chief John Textor acknowledged the challenges of holding onto players like Cherki:

“We lost €15m from his potential sale [to PSG] last summer, but now his value is way higher. He should stay in January, but it’s up to Rayan, as is always the case in football.”

This financial backdrop offers a unique opportunity for Liverpool, but the road to securing Cherki will not be straightforward. Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig are all reported to have already made contact with the player’s camp.

Barcelona’s Ambitions Could Complicate Liverpool’s Plans

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has identified Cherki as an ideal addition to the Catalan side. As reported by El Nacional:

“Cherki is in the orbit of the Camp Nou… Deco considers it a very interesting opportunity to sign a pearl with enormous potential and that he can play in several demarcations of the attack.”

Photo: IMAGO

With the Blaugrana eager to add depth to their attacking options under coach Julian Nagelsmann, Cherki’s ability to operate across the front line makes him a compelling prospect. His potential move to Barcelona would give Liverpool one more hurdle to clear.

For Liverpool, Cherki represents a player who could slot seamlessly into Slot’s dynamic, pressing system. But as Lyon faces mounting financial pressure, the prospect of a bidding war looms, and Cherki’s price tag may soar.

Cherki’s Fit at Liverpool

Rayan Cherki is more than just a winger. His creative flair, combined with a knack for unlocking defences, makes him a valuable asset for any top club. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attack has thrived on fluidity and high-energy transitions—qualities Cherki embodies.

While Federico Chiesa has added firepower to the Reds’ attack, Cherki’s arrival would offer versatility. Whether operating in wide areas or centrally, he could provide the depth needed to sustain Liverpool’s title challenge across multiple competitions.

However, with Barcelona now firmly in the mix, Liverpool may need to act decisively.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Rayan Cherki is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for Liverpool fans, but there’s an underlying question: is he worth the potential financial outlay? At 21, his talent is undeniable, but so is the risk that comes with any young player transitioning to the Premier League.

Liverpool’s resurgence under Arne Slot has been built on intelligent recruitment, and Cherki appears to fit that mould. However, the looming presence of Barcelona and other European heavyweights could complicate matters. If Cherki’s price inflates to match Lyon’s financial needs, the Reds might be better served exploring alternatives who could deliver similar qualities at a lower cost.

For fans, the allure of adding a creative talent like Cherki to a squad already brimming with attacking options is hard to resist. Yet, Liverpool must remain pragmatic. With the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona in pursuit, Cherki’s future may ultimately hinge on the financial dynamics at Lyon and the player’s own ambitions.

The January transfer window promises to be pivotal, but whether Cherki is the right move for Liverpool remains an open question.