€22.5m Star Eyes Lyon Exit with Liverpool and City Ready to Move | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki Set for Summer Move as Premier League Giants Circle

Tears, Talent and Transfer Talk

In football, there’s a moment when a farewell isn’t uttered, but deeply felt. That was the case for Rayan Cherki, whose teary-eyed exit from Lyon’s Groupama Stadium following a 2-0 win over Angers signalled more than just the end of a match. As reported by Dahia Hattabi via Get French Football News, the 21-year-old playmaker’s emotional response hinted this was likely “his final game for his formative club.”

Cherki, long heralded as one of Lyon’s most naturally gifted academy graduates, confirmed post-match that he is “likely to leave OL during the summer transfer window.” What makes his potential departure significant is the pre-existing gentleman’s agreement with Les Gones, allowing him to exit if a club agrees to pay €22.5m.

Photo: IMAGO

Premier League Enquiries Begin

It hasn’t taken long for Europe’s elite to circle. According to Le Parisien, “Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all enquired about signing the France U21 international.” That level of interest, though expected, still underlines just how sought-after Cherki has become.

In a market often inflated by hype, Cherki brings tangible output. “Creatively, no player assisted more than Cherki in Ligue 1, with 11,” a figure that is not only impressive but transformative for a Lyon side that’s struggled for consistency this term. Moreover, “he also broke the record for most assists in a UEFA Europa League campaign,” a milestone that has scouts scribbling furiously.

Lyon’s Loss, Someone Else’s Gain

It’s not just the stats but the style—Cherki glides through midfield lines, combines instinctively in tight pockets, and creates danger with both feet. His development may have plateaued under previous coaches, but this season has seen a tactical maturity and improved decision-making.

With just €22.5m required to trigger his departure, this could prove a shrewd acquisition for a side looking to unlock low blocks and control transitions. For Lyon, it represents a bittersweet moment: a proud academy success moving on, perhaps too soon.

Window of Opportunity

As Liverpool transition under Arne Slot and look to bolster their creative options behind the striker, Cherki’s profile suits their evolving tactical model. With Manchester City’s long-term planning and Tottenham’s clear need for midfield invention, the race is now about who acts first—and fastest.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s something genuinely exciting about the idea of Rayan Cherki pulling the strings at Anfield. While Liverpool have relied on the likes of Szoboszlai and Elliott for flair and creativity, Cherki offers something more instinctive—improvisational magic. At €22.5m, this is a bargain in today’s market, especially for someone with such a high ceiling.

Arne Slot’s system is expected to rely on fluid attacking transitions and positional rotation in midfield. Cherki thrives in that chaos—he invites pressure, beats it, and creates. Some fans might raise questions about consistency and work-rate, but at 21, he’s still developing. With proper coaching and the support of a stable environment, the Frenchman could become a key figure in Liverpool’s post-Klopp evolution.

The bigger question is whether Liverpool will move swiftly enough. Manchester City’s pulling power and Tottenham’s guarantee of regular starts could be tempting. But if Cherki values a platform that mixes ambition, European competition, and passionate fan support, Liverpool might just be the perfect fit.