Report: Liverpool and Chelsea Told to Pay €30m to Land 21-year-old ‘Star’ | OneFootball

Liverpool and Chelsea Face €30m Rayan Cherki Decision

Olympique Lyon’s ongoing financial turmoil has thrust their brightest talents into the spotlight, with Rayan Cherki emerging as a prime candidate for a high-profile move. As reported by Footmercato, the Ligue 1 club is asking for at least €30 million for their 21-year-old homegrown star, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the interested parties. With Lyon’s precarious financial state, this price tag raises questions about whether any club will meet their valuation.

Lyon’s Financial Crisis Sparks Player Exodus

Lyon’s well-documented financial struggles—over €500 million in debt—have left them vulnerable to enforced sales. As Footmercato notes, “Les Gones will listen to offers for all of their stars next year,” with relegation and transfer bans looming unless funds are raised urgently. While Lyon’s financial plight puts them in a weak bargaining position, their decision to increase Cherki’s price tag from €15 million last summer to at least €30 million reflects renewed confidence in his potential.

Photo: IMAGO

This firesale, however, might be their last opportunity to extract meaningful value from Cherki. Despite signing a one-year extension to avoid a free transfer exit in 2025, the midfielder’s deal still puts Lyon at a disadvantage, with suitors aware they can negotiate from a position of strength.

Rayan Cherki: Potential vs. Reality

Cherki’s career trajectory has been one of promise and frustration. Long considered Lyon’s most talented academy graduate in recent years, his career has yet to consistently match expectations. As Footmercato explains, “The 21-year-old has had the weight of the world on his shoulders…expectations of Cherki have been sky-high, which ultimately led to disappointment.”

This season, however, marks a turning point. His improved form has not only rekindled Lyon’s belief in his value but also reignited interest from elite clubs. Both Liverpool and Chelsea have scouted the French playmaker, while Bayer Leverkusen and PSG remain keen. Yet, with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of just €9.3m—down significantly from his peak of €20m—there’s hesitation about whether Cherki’s resurgence justifies a €30m outlay.

Is Cherki Worth €30m?

Liverpool and Chelsea’s interest in Cherki reflects their respective ambitions. Liverpool, under Arne Slot’s dynamic leadership, seek creative midfield reinforcements as they continue reshaping their squad post-Jürgen Klopp. Cherki, with his flair and versatility, could thrive in Slot’s high-tempo system. For Chelsea, still navigating an overhaul under Mauricio Pochettino, Cherki’s age and potential align with their long-term project.

Photo: IMAGO

Yet, questions linger over his consistency and readiness to deliver at the Premier League level. At 21, he remains a raw talent, and his lack of experience in top-tier European competitions may give clubs pause. Additionally, Lyon’s dire need to sell could drive bidders to negotiate significantly below their asking price, particularly given Cherki’s expiring contract.

Competition for Cherki Heats Up

While PSG’s summer interest suggests the Ligue 1 champions still see him as a valuable addition, Footmercato mentions Bayer Leverkusen as a new contender. For clubs outside the Premier League, Cherki’s €30m valuation could be more palatable. However, Lyon’s hopes of sparking a bidding war depend on Cherki’s continued performances this season.

Cherki’s next destination will likely hinge on whether clubs view him as a future star worth nurturing or a gamble with limited upside. Either way, Lyon’s financial instability ensures they won’t have the luxury of holding out indefinitely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the idea of signing Rayan Cherki divides opinion. On one hand, Cherki represents an exciting prospect—someone who could potentially flourish under Arne Slot’s progressive tactics. His dribbling ability, vision, and knack for creating chances align well with Liverpool’s ethos of attacking football.

However, many supporters might question whether Cherki offers the immediate impact the club needs. With Liverpool battling for honours in both domestic and European competitions, there’s little room for players who require time to adapt. Cherki’s inconsistency and limited exposure to high-pressure matches could be a red flag for fans eager for proven quality.

Moreover, Lyon’s precarious situation could enable Liverpool to secure Cherki for significantly less than the reported €30m, particularly if the Reds are patient. It’s worth noting that Liverpool’s past success with signings like Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez suggests they are capable of nurturing raw talent into elite performers.

For now, the ball is firmly in Liverpool’s court. Whether they view Cherki as a crucial piece of their puzzle or merely a speculative opportunity will define their approach to the January or summer window.