Rayan Cherki
Image Credits: Getty Images
Liverpool target Rayan Cherki has reportedly decided which club he will prefer to play for next season.
The French youngster is emerging as one of the most sought-after players in Europe after playing a starring role for Lyon this season.
Liverpool’s interest in Cherki dates back to last summer and in January, when they were said to be monitoring his situation. The interest has remained, as Benjamin Quarez of Le Parisien recently reported.
Per Quarez, Liverpool has now made a fresh enquiry over the 21-year-old with a summer move in mind.
Cherki’s €22.5 million release clause aligns perfectly with the club’s opportunistic transfer philosophy, and a potential move provides rare value for a player with 31 goal contributions this season.
Rayan Cherki in Men’s Top 5 Leagues Per 90 Percentile
Non-Penalty Goals 0.31 64
Assists 0.51 99
Shot-Creating Actions 7.56 99
Progressive Passes 9.45 99
Successful Take-Ons 4.55 99
Touches (Att Pen) 7.00 91
However, Liverpool are not alone in their admiration of Cherki, with Tottenham and Manchester City making inquiries of their own.
But it appears Liverpool have an advantage in the race if the latest report from GIVEMESPORT are to be believed.
According to the outlet, Cherki prefers a move to Liverpool over interest from other clubs.
“Cherki has decided that his preference is to head to Merseyside during the summer transfer window,” the outlet said.
The player “is looking for a new club after deciding that he does not want to remain on Lyon’s books.”
The outlet also added that “the Reds’ sudden interest in landing Bayer Leverkusen talisman Florian Wirtz has resulted in the Lyon playmaker being forced to remain patient as he looks to take his career in another direction.”
Meanwhile, Cherki recently commented on his future, hinting that a departure is possible this summer.
Asked at a press conference today where his future might lie, Cherki didn’t rule out a departure. “I don’t know,” he said. “In any case, I know that I gave everything for the club.
“I did everything I could for Lyon. This is a club that I will never forget and that will always remain in my heart. I stayed when many players left.
“Today, I have no regrets. Whatever happens, I will give everything until my last minute for the club.”
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