Rayan Cherki very much looks on his way out of Lyon this summer, with Liverpool and Manchester City seen as options.
Of course, it’s not the first time that has been the case and transfers have come close before, only to collapse, but this time looks more serious due to his contract situation.
The 21-year-old has a contract lasting until June 2026, so the French side are under some pressure to sell. With Cherki also breaking into the France set up, he has a chance to become a key player ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool and Manchester City are among the clubs who have been linked most with the versatile attacker, with it thought both Premier League sides hold an interest in Cherki.
Currently away with the France national squad at Clairefontaine, the player has given a lengthy interview to [L’Equipe](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/-personne-ne-decidera-pour-moi-les-bleus-l-ol-son-futur-club-rayan-cherki-et-son-actualite-chargee/1567011).
One of the questions put over by the French newspaper was: _‘When you look at the clubs interested, Manchester City and Liverpool for example, they are two different styles of football. Will the system matter?’_
Cherki’s answer left himself open to either club: _“I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready. Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer.”_
Asked if he’s entirely sure about leaving Lyon this summer, especially given the issues over a move in the past, Cherki made quite clear that he feels this is the time to try something new, with L’Equipe quoting him as saying: _“You’re never sure of anything. But I’ll say it: I did what I wanted to do at OL, be a true Lyonnais and give everything for my club. I didn’t leave the ship in difficulty. I stayed, I gritted my teeth. I cried, I laughed, I was scared. But a man has to be like that, it’s part of his DNA. Even when it’s hard, even when you cry, even when you’re scared, you have to go to war for your club.”_
Asked why he didn’t made the exit happen a year ago, when multiple clubs were interested, Cherki said: _“It always comes back to the same thing: I’m a human being. I could have made other choices, gone to Paris Saint-Germain directly and very early in the transfer window, without even talking to Dortmund. But that’s part of my story, of my stages._
_“It was also my first big transfer window, where I learned a lot, reflected a lot. Today, I’m ready. Even if we aspired to do better collectively and that’s what matters most, I think I can be satisfied on a more personal level. Beating the records I’ve broken, the few individual awards, the magnificent human bonds I’ve forged at my favourite club… It’s a bit like the end result of all the years of work, where it’s been hard for me.”_
That very much sounds like a goodbye, and now it’s down to Liverpool, Manchester City and others to battle for his signature.
Rayan Cherki scored 12 goals and added 20 assists in 44 games for Lyon last season.