A long-term transfer target at Newcastle United just dropped a hint towards a potential move in 2025.
Strengthening Eddie Howe’s squad in 2025 is a necessity for Newcastle United after failing to bring in any major improvements over the last 12 months.
Newcastle missed out on Marc Guehi in the summer and also failed to bring in a right winger after leaving their bids too late into the window.
A deadline day £50m offer for Anthony Elanga was rejected, and now Newcastle find themselves in the exact same position heading into 2025.
A right-winger is a top priority, but Newcastle will also want to add a new centre-back to their ranks potentially even add some firepower up front.
Rayan Cherki of Lyon during the Ligue 1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL, Lyon) at Parc des Princes stad...
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Newcastle United interest in Rayan Cherki
One target that has been on Newcastle’s radar for over a year is Lyon winger Rayan Cherki.
Newcastle registered interest in Cherki in 2023 when they were willing to go toe-to-toe with Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.
However, Cherki rejected Newcastle’s approach and ended up staying at Lyon where he has gone from strength to strength. He already has five goals and seven assists to his name in 2024/25.
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Cherki is a versatile forward, able to play on either wing while also being able to fill a central attacking midfield role.
He will tick multiple boxes for Howe at St James’ Park, and at 21 years old there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Rayan Cherki’s cryptic transfer message
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle remain interested in Cherki heading into 2025.
He is described as Lyon’s “most valuable asset” and with the French club struggling financially they are open to selling him. Cherki is valued at €30m (£25m).
Cherki recently addressed his future at Lyon with a cryptic 14-word message following a 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.
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Speaking to Canal Plus, Cherki said: “We’ll see at the end of the season if I’m still here or not”.
Cherki’s comments will put Newcastle on alert with an opportunity opening for the Magpies to pounce on a long-term target.