In November, Olympique Lyonnais faced a tough financial blow from the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), putting the club in a difficult financial spot. However, a January fire sale is not necessarily on the horizon.
While Lyon is under pressure to offload players to meet financial requirements, the club is determined to wait for fair offers. With the added risk of relegation to Ligue 2, addressing these financial challenges has become a top priority.
Key players like Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana could be sold, though likely for less than their market value. Cherki’s two-year contract extension, signed in September, gives Lyon some leverage, butL’Équipe has reported that a January transfer remains a possibility.
Cherki, who has long harbored ambitions of playing for Real Madrid, is also drawing interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, making his future one of the major stories to follow.
PSG remain keen on Rayan Cherki despite competition
Rayan Cherki
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Foot Mercato reported on Thursday that PSG is working hard behind the scenes to sign Cherki in January. However, they are up against tough competition from Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, both of whom are also keen on securing his signature. Lyon has reportedly set an asking price of €30 million for the young talent.
🚨🇫🇷| PSG are actively working behind the scenes to recruit Rayan Cherki in January.
PSG faces strong competition from Liverpool & Bayer Leverkusen who are also pushing for his signing in January – Lyon have set a starting price of € 30M. @Santi_J_FM pic.twitter.com/DAsqtEct0u
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) December 19, 2024
The Sun recently reported that PSG and Borussia Dortmund are set to compete with Crystal Palace for Cherki. Meanwhile,The Athletic revealed that West Ham’s sporting director, Tim Steidten, has been tracking the Lyon playmaker closely.
TBR Football recently added that Liverpool’s £17 million bid for the 21-year-old is expected to be rejected, as Lyon holds out for £29 million.