Image Credits: Getty Images/Composite
Fabrizio Romano has seemingly advised Liverpool and other interested clubs on how to go about securing Rayan Cherki this summer.
The 21-year-old will leave Olympique Lyon this summer after confirming his departure in the final Ligue 1 game of the season on Saturday.
Cherki’s departure became inevitable when he addressed supporters post-match, stating: “I’m ready to try a new chapter in my career. Thanks to OL, the coach, the staff, the president, my teammates, and all people at the club”.
Lyon amplified the finality of his exit by publishing a video montage of his emotional goodbye on their official Twitter account, set to melancholic music and captioned with a crying emoji.
The footage showed Cherki visibly distraught as he waved to fans, effectively serving as the club’s tacit confirmation of his departure.
BREAKING: Lyon have confirmed that Rayan Cherki will leave the club this summer. Previous reports have suggested he could leave the club for a fee in the region of €20M. He has been linked with a move to Liverpool previously. pic.twitter.com/MQKc0YPiqi
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) May 19, 2025
At the heart of Cherki’s transfer complications lies a verbal pact negotiated during his 2024 contract extension.
While French law prohibits formal release clauses, Lyon owner John Textor allegedly agreed to a €22.5 million (£19 million) “gentleman’s agreement” allowing Cherki to leave if a suitable offer emerged.
This informal arrangement, meant to balance Lyon’s financial struggles with Cherki’s ambitions, has since unravelled under scrutiny.
The fragility of such agreements became apparent in January 2025 when Borussia Dortmund attempted to trigger the clause.
Despite lodging the agreed-upon bid, Textor publicly denounced Dortmund’s approach as “disrespectful and well below market value”, refusing to sanction the transfer.
Cherki’s situation now presents a dilemma for suitors like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham, all linked,
While the €22.5 million figure remains a starting point, Lyon’s hierarchy could demand higher fees as they did in January.
Now Fabrizio Romano has provided his latest on the 21-year-old maestro, expecting that Liverpool and co. will return for Cherki on his YouTube channel:
“This summer I expect English clubs to return because the interest is strong. Let’s see what Borussia Dortmund decide to do as well.”
“In January, Dortmund were convinced to trigger the release clause of Cherki, but the problem was that the clause was not considered valid by Lyon.”
“In France, release clauses are not allowed, so there was some legal stuff there that complicated things in terms of price tag.”
Romano then suggested that the “best solution” to get Cherki is to hold constructive talks with OL president John Textor to work on a fee that satisfies all parties:
“Probably the best solution to get Cherki is to try and be collaborative with Lyon, discuss with the president and find the solution.”
“I expect clubs to return for Rayan Cherki. I expect to see the player leaving the club.”
It’s starting to look like that touted “release clause” of €22.5 will not be what Cherki is sold for – it will be higher than that.
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