Rayan Cherki, the winger that City, Liverpool and Barça are fighting for?

Manchester City and Liverpool have been fighting hand-to-hand for the signing of Rayan Cherki for several weeks. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, the great revelation of the season in France with Olympique de Lyon, is expected to leave this summer after ruling out renewing his contract, which ends in 2026.

The latest information points to the French international, silver medalist with 'Les Bleus' at the Paris Olympic Games, as the first summer reinforcement for the team led by Pep Guardiola, who is also very close to signing Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan). FC Barcelona, for the moment, has not entered the bidding for his signing.

Lyon does not give in in negotiations: 40 M€ or nothing for Rayan Cherki

Despite the club's financial crisis and the fact that the French international's contract expires in 2026, the Lyon board insists on asking for 40 million euros net for his transfer. The winger/attacking midfielder was close to leaving in January, but finally played the entire season with Paulo Fonseca's team.

In the Europa League, Cherki scored in both quarter-final matches against Manchester United, a performance that convinced 'cityzens' and 'reds' to go for him this summer. Old Trafford itself was rumored as a possible destination for the '18' of Olympique, but finally the 'red devils' opted for Matheus Cunha.

In total, Rayan scored 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 matches (3,097 minutes) with Lyon in 24/25, his best season since debuting with the first team in 2020. The 21-year-old player said goodbye to the club after the last matchday of Ligue 1 against Angers (2-0), where he gave an assist.

Should Barça go for Rayan Cherki?

Rayan Cherki celebrating a goal against Manchester United in the Europa League

Although Cherki is naturally right-footed, he can play without problems on the left, as an attacking midfielder or 'false 9'. The player is a specialist in overflowing on the flanks, with excellent vision of the game and good hitting. After scoring 4 goals and 8 assists in 12 matches, he was chosen by UEFA as Best Young Player of the Europa League.

In general terms, the 40 'kilos' that Lyon is asking for is a sensible price, since his market value already reaches 45 M€ in Transfermarkt. Due to his characteristics and low profile, he would have no problems fitting into Hansi Flick's scheme, in principle as a substitute for Raphinha.

However, Barça has not entered the bidding for the Frenchman, even when the board prioritizes incorporating another striker with a similar profile. Manchester City, meanwhile, is very close to closing his signing, although Liverpool has maintained contacts with his representatives for several weeks.

Rayan will be the first Mancunian reinforcement for the Club World Cup, one of the reasons for the team to accelerate his arrival. Liverpool, on the other hand, will not be in the tournament and will take several more weeks to define the possible replacement for Luis Díaz if, finally, the Colombian ends up signing for Barça or another 'top' team.

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Player's technical sheet

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