'Like 2012 Messi against toddlers': Cherki STUNS scouts in Premier League audition

Suraj Radia

• 22 Mar 2025 07:20 CDT
• 4 min read

Analysis

One of this season’s standout performers put in another mesmerising performance during the international break and showed why he will be one of the biggest bargains on the transfer market this summer.

Premier League scouts watched on as France’s under-21 side defeated England 5-3 in a friendly on Friday and, while Hugo Ekitike grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick for the host, it was his teammate Rayan Cherki who proved to be the true difference maker.

FABRIZIO ROMANO TRANSFER LATEST: Quenda TRUTHS, Chelsea’s NEXT signing, ‘CRAZY’ Bruno Fernandes offer

Current ETV

Rayan Cherki

AM, M (C)

Lyon

Rayan Cherki

AM, M (C)

Lyon

€31.4M

ETV Range

€28.3M - €34.5M

View full profile

Cherki assisted two of France’s goals and got one of his own, emulating the form he has shown for Lyon this season while also running riot against Premier League stars such as Manchester City’s Rico Lewis and England international Adam Wharton.

The 21-year-old’s display will have only continued to fuel speculation over his future, with reports that Lyon could accept a fee as little as €22.5 million for their talisman this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.

While teams such as Dortmund and Liverpool have been linked with Cherki, just about every major European side will undoubtedly consider a cut-price move for the French playmaker even with long-standing question marks over his attitude and athleticism.

Having provided eight goals and 17 assists for Lyon in all competitions this season, any team willing to take the gamble on Cherki could secure a generational talent at a fraction of the price, all while knowing the youngster could still mature into an even bigger star.

READ MORE: Cherki finally living up to wonderkid billing

’Why kids fall in love with football’ – fans stunned by Cherki magic for France

Cherki’s performance against England sent social media into frenzy, with some fans comparing the wonderkid to Lionel Messi, particularly after an incredible touch to control the ball with flair and precision.

Others simply could not believe the gulf in class between Cherki and his rivals, even with a number of Premier League stars and full-fledged internationals also on the pitch.

However, the overriding sentiment was simply fans begging their teams to sign Cherki, if only just for his entertainment and unique talent that is sure to get supporters of their feet no matter what.