At only 21 years old, Rayan Cherki is one of the big attractions of the next winter transfer window. The Olympique Lyonnais playmaker, on contract until 2026, is attracting the interest of many European clubs, particularly in the Bundesliga and the Premier League. Among them, Liverpool, Newcastle, and especially Bayer Leverkusen seem the most pressing, according to
Sky Sport Germany.
Moreover, Cherki had already come close to leaving for Borussia Dortmund last summer, and the German club could return to the charge this winter. Meanwhile, John Textor, owner of OL, could be forced to sell to replenish the club’s coffers, subject to the threat of administrative demotion by the DNCG. The president hopes to obtain at least 30 million euros, well beyond the valuation of 20 million estimated by
Transfermarkt.
OL in a delicate position
While Cherki’s performances, notably his goal against Stade de Reims, demonstrate his importance in Pierre Sage’s system, the Gones coach hopes to keep him until the end of the season. However, the pressure from the European giants and the financial needs of OL could well precipitate a departure from the Lyon nugget in January.
