Olympique Lyonnais seems determined to part ways with Rayan Cherki, and at a price that has been further revised downwards. According to Ekrem Konur, transfer window specialist, the Rhone club now values its attacking midfielder between 30 and 35 million euros, compared to 40 million just a few days ago.
Lyon, ready to sacrifice its jewel to survive
A decision which illustrates the economic emergency in which OL finds itself. With an abysmal debt and the obligation to find 175 million euros before June to meet the demands of the DNCG, Lyon no longer has the luxury of procrastinating. Every sellable asset is now an opportunity for survival.
The drop in Cherki's valuation can also be explained by sluggish performances since the start of 2025. Wednesday evening, he symbolized the humiliating elimination of OL against Bourgoin-Jallieu in the Coupe de France. This setback, against a National 3 team, provoked a torrent of criticism, notably from Sidney Govou, who castigated the player's attitude and performance.
Cherki hasn't decided anything yet.
Cherki, less efficient but still coveted
Despite this, Cherki continues to attract interest from several Bundesliga clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. However, none of them has yet made a concrete offer.
Besides Cherki, Lyon could also sell Ernest Nuamah. The 21-year-old winger is in advanced discussions with Everton, for an amount estimated at 20 million euros. These potential departures reflect a crisis management policy where urgency takes precedence over sporting vision.
While supporters were hoping for an ambitious reconstruction, OL seem to have decided to sell off their talents to avoid an administrative demotion to Ligue 2. A strategy which, if it ensures financial respite in the short term, could have disastrous consequences in terms of sporty.
