Lyon Set €30m Price Tag for Rayan Cherki Amid Interest from Top European Clubs
Lyon have reportedly set their asking price for midfielder Rayan Cherki at around €30m (£25m), as speculation grows linking the talented 21-year-old to clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The French side, facing significant financial challenges, are reluctant to part with one of their most prized assets for less, despite the pressure to raise funds to stabilize their precarious financial position.
Financial woes and provisional relegation
Lyon’s financial struggles have been well-documented, with the club facing provisional relegation from Ligue 1 due to debts exceeding €500m. The French football financial watchdog, the DNCG, has mandated that the club must address its financial issues to avoid enforced demotion by the end of the season. This looming threat has sparked speculation of a potential fire sale of players to raise much-needed funds.
Despite this, Lyon’s president, John Textor, has made it clear that the club is not willing to sell players at reduced prices. Among the squad, Rayan Cherki is considered one of Lyon’s most valuable players, and Textor is determined to ensure any transfer reflects his true market value.
Cherki’s rising value and transfer history
Cherki was close to joining PSG during the summer transfer window for a reported €15m (£12.5m), but the deal ultimately fell through. Textor has since stated that such a price is no longer acceptable, given Cherki’s development and the growing interest from elite clubs. Reports from Foot Mercato suggest that Lyon are now seeking at least €30m for the midfielder in January, with some insiders suggesting the club could hold out for as much as €35m (£29.2m).
The rising valuation comes as no surprise, considering Cherki’s potential and consistent performances. Still only 21, he has already established himself as a key player for Lyon and a standout prospect in French football. Textor acknowledged the change in circumstances, noting, “We missed out on €15m from his potential sale to PSG last summer, but his value has significantly increased since then.”
Interest from top clubs
Liverpool were among the first to show interest in Cherki after Lyon’s financial troubles became public, hoping to negotiate a cut-price deal for the France Under-21 international. However, Lyon’s firm stance on his valuation has kept negotiations at bay. Chelsea have also reignited their interest in the midfielder, while Bayer Leverkusen and PSG remain potential suitors.
Cherki’s skill set and versatility make him a valuable asset for any top club. Despite Lyon’s financial difficulties, the club sees the midfielder as central to their ambitions both on and off the pitch. Selling him, even at a high price, is a decision Lyon would prefer to avoid unless absolutely necessary.
Lyon finds themselves in a difficult position. On the one hand, the club needs to generate funds to address their financial woes and avoid enforced relegation. On the other, they remain focused on their on-field objectives, including a push for a Champions League spot next season, which would significantly boost their financial situation. Textor and the club’s officials are walking a tightrope, trying to balance immediate financial concerns with long-term sporting goals.
In a recent statement, Textor emphasized that the decision to sell players depends on the right opportunities, saying, “We have an excess of superb players. The coach has almost impossible decisions to make. I hate rumors about who we might sell—it all depends on the offers we receive and our strategic needs.”
Lyon currently has 29 players in their first-team squad, a number Textor believes is unsustainable. “Ideally, we want 23 or 24 players. There are six too many,” he admitted. This surplus of players presents an opportunity for Lyon to offload individuals who are not integral to their plans, potentially raising funds while also streamlining the squad.
In addition to Cherki, several other Lyon players could attract interest in the January transfer window. Former Premier League stars Alexandre Lacazette, Wilfried Zaha, Said Benrahma, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are all part of the current squad. Young talents like Malick Fofana and Maxence Caqueret are also likely to draw attention from clubs looking to invest in promising players.
For now, Lyon are determined to keep Cherki, with Textor stating, “He should stay in January, but as always in football, the decision ultimately rests with the player.” While the president’s comments suggest the club is prepared to fight to retain their star, the reality of their financial situation means they may have little choice but to sell if a suitable offer comes in.
At €30m, Cherki represents a potential bargain for clubs with deep pockets. His age, potential, and experience in Ligue 1 make him an appealing prospect for teams looking to strengthen their midfield. If Lyon are forced to sell, the French youngster could become one of the most sought-after players in the January transfer window.
As Lyon face an uncertain future, Rayan Cherki has emerged as both a symbol of the club’s ambitions and a potential solution to their financial woes. With interest from top European clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG, his future remains a topic of intense speculation.
Whether Lyon can hold onto their prized midfielder or are forced to cash in on him will likely depend on the offers they receive and the financial realities they face in the coming months. For now, the battle for Cherki’s signature looks set to be one of the highlights of the January transfer window.
COMMENTS