Lyon president John Textor has firmly addressed the growing speculation surrounding Rayan Cherki’s future, sending a clear message to potential suitors, including Liverpool, that the 21-year-old midfielder will not be sold on the cheap.
This comes amid mounting pressure on the French club due to its dire financial situation, which has left them staring down the barrel of relegation from Ligue 1 unless they can drastically reduce their debt, currently exceeding €500 million.
The financial troubles of Lyon have made headlines, with the French football authorities (DNCG) ruling that the club will be relegated next summer unless they can restructure their finances. This has sparked rampant speculation regarding potential player sales, as Lyon may be forced to part with some of their top talents to raise much-needed funds. Among the names reportedly attracting interest is Cherki, who has been impressing both in Ligue 1 and on the European stage, with Liverpool said to be monitoring the situation closely.
However, Textor, who also holds a significant stake in Crystal Palace and briefly explored a potential takeover of Everton earlier this year, is determined not to let Lyon’s top assets leave on the cheap. In a recent statement, Textor made it clear that while Lyon may need to sell to balance their books, Rayan Cherki would not be part of any fire sale. “We lost €15m from his potential sale to Paris Saint-Germain last summer, but now his value is way higher,” Textor stated. “He should stay in January, but it’s up to Rayan, as is always the case in football.”
Liverpool’s interest in Cherki is not new, and with Lyon’s financial troubles making headlines, many had hoped they could land the young Frenchman for a bargain price. However, Textor’s firm stance has made it clear that any suitors will need to meet Lyon’s valuation if they are to prise Cherki away. Despite Lyon’s perilous financial situation, it appears they are not willing to sacrifice their most promising talents without securing a substantial fee.
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Cherki’s potential is undeniable, and his rise in value over the past year reflects his growing reputation in European football. A product of Lyon’s famed youth academy, Cherki has already demonstrated his ability to play in a variety of attacking roles, showcasing his flair, vision, and technical ability. His performances have drawn attention from several top clubs, including Liverpool, who have been linked with the midfielder for some time. However, the club will have to contend with the player’s increasing value, which Textor has highlighted.
The Lyon president’s comments also shed light on the broader situation at the club. Textor admitted that Lyon’s squad is bloated, with 29 players in the first team, significantly more than the ideal number of 23 or 24. “We have an excess of superb players,” Textor said, pointing to the difficult decisions facing Lyon’s coaching staff. “The coach has almost impossible decisions to make. I hate rumours about which players to sell; it all depends on the opportunities, but the certainty is the abundance of players.”
With Lyon potentially needing to offload several players to alleviate their financial burden, it’s clear that some members of the squad will be sold, but Cherki is likely to be one of the last to leave unless an offer that matches his true value arrives. Alongside Cherki, Lyon is home to a number of other valuable assets, including former Premier League stars like Alexandre Lacazette, Wilfried Zaha, Said Benrahma, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. However, Lyon is also home to young talents like Malick Fofana and Maxence Caqueret, both of whom could attract interest from clubs across Europe if the club finds itself needing to entertain offers.
While Textor’s words have served as a warning to potential suitors like Liverpool, Lyon’s financial crisis means they will likely still have to sell some players in the near future. The club has already been linked with several potential departures, and it is expected that the January transfer window could be pivotal in shaping the squad’s future. However, Textor is clear: any deal involving Rayan Cherki will require a hefty price tag, one that reflects the midfielder’s immense potential and value to Lyon’s long-term plans.
For Liverpool, the situation is a delicate one. The Reds are no strangers to making strategic signings from financially struggling clubs, and with Cherki being one of the brightest talents in French football, it is understandable that they would be keen to add him to their ranks. The Frenchman’s ability to play in multiple attacking roles would provide Liverpool with much-needed versatility in the final third, and his technical ability fits well with the club’s high-pressing, possession-based style of play.
However, Liverpool will need to proceed with caution. Textor’s words serve as a reminder that Lyon are not a club willing to let their star players go on the cheap, even in the face of financial difficulties. While it is still possible that Cherki could be sold, any deal will likely hinge on whether Liverpool can meet Lyon’s valuation, which will likely be higher than many anticipated given the current financial climate at the club.
The scenario surrounding Cherki highlights the complex dynamics of modern football, where financial pressures can push clubs to sell their prized assets, but those same clubs are often reluctant to let go of their most talented players unless the price is right. For Lyon, the challenge will be to balance their financial needs with their desire to retain the players who can help them regain their competitive edge. For Liverpool, it will be a case of navigating this tricky situation to secure one of Europe’s most promising young talents, while understanding that any deal will come at a premium.
As the January transfer window draws closer, expect the speculation surrounding Rayan Cherki to intensify. Lyon’s financial difficulties are unlikely to ease any time soon, and while Textor’s comments have put potential suitors on notice, the club’s situation remains fluid. Cherki’s future, along with that of several other Lyon players, will likely be one of the key talking points in the upcoming transfer window.