Liverpool move for €25m wonderkid who dreams of Real Madrid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 Nov 2024 12:19 GMT
• 4 min read

Liverpool have enquired about Rayan Cherki again after already showing interest in the summer, according to French media.

The 21-year-old's name frequently makes headlines in his native France. The Olympique Lyon star, once one of the club's most highly-rated prospects, has experienced plenty of ups and downs in his still-young career.

A unique talent reminiscent of the playmakers of previous generations, Cherki has admitted to being frustrated with modern football for stifling the creativity of players and this is reflected in his game.

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Cherki has sometimes struggled to assert himself in an age of rigid tactical systems and, in the early parts of last season, he was relegated to a place on the bench at his hometown club.

The attacking midfielder was supposed to leave Lyon in the summer due to his contract expiring in 2025, but moves to PSG and Borussia Dortmund fell through, leading to his penning a one-year extension.

Cherki on the market

Since then, Cherki's performances have improved. He currently boasts two goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, but it is clear that his future does not lie in Lyon.

A move in 2025 is planned and the club are pushing for the player to leave, not because they don't value him but because they are scrambling to raise funds. Today (Friday), Lyon bosses will meet with France's financial watchdog to discuss their unsatisfactory financial situation.

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Players will have to be sold for the Ligue 1 side to avoid sanctions and Cherki is one of the players on the market. Though the 21-year-old dreams of one day playing for Real Madrid, a move to Spain's capital looks highly unlikely at present.

Instead, the youngster, who has often been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd, could be heading to Merseyside. L'Equipe reports that Liverpool, who had a tentative summer interest, have once again enquired about Cherki.

Due to Lyon's need to sell, a move could already be on the cards in January, but the club won't give him away for free. While Les Gones were ready to flip him for just €10m in the summer, his contract extension and improved form mean that they now want around €25m for Cherki.