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Rising Ligue 1 star Cherki caught the Liverpool coach’s attention as Slot cut short his summer holiday to discuss a potential move to Anfield.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot (AP)
Liverpool continues to chase Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, but is also keeping their options wide open. The prominent English Premier League club is eyeing Ligue 1 Olympique Lyon star Rayan Cherki as a potential fill-in if the bumper deal with Wirtz doesn’t materialise. Liverpool boss Arne Slot reportedly cut short his holiday and travelled to France to kick off talks with the attacking midfielder.
According to a report by Athletic, Liverpool has entered the bid to sign Cherki amidst interest from rival club Manchester City. While City continues to target the Lyon striker in their ongoing rebuild, the Reds coach recently cut short his summer break to engage in discussions with the 21-year-old who racked up 20 assists and 12 goals across all competitions in 2024–25.
Cherki’s current contract with Lyon expired last summer. The footballer doesn’t have a formal release clause in his agreement, contrary to reports suggesting a €22.5m fee would be sufficient for a rival club to acquire him. The Ligue 1 club is reportedly keeping a significantly higher prize, aware of his value and the interest he continues to generate from multiple top sides.
Considered in pole position to sign Wiltz, Liverpool’s decision to still discuss a potential move with Cherki underlines the player’s talent and ability. In an unlikely scenario where the Wiltz deal falls flat, Cherki is expected to prove to be a Liverpool hero. The Reds have been closing in on Wirtz’s signing, having long expressed their desire to have the German on board. The club’s commitment to sign the versatile footballer is reflected in the magnitude of their bid, with a mammoth sum of €130 million set aside to land him at Anfield. The deal will include both the guaranteed sum and several performance-based add-ons.
Interest in a rising star like Cherki also sheds light on Liverpool’s desire to leave no stone unturned for the season ahead, with Slot directly leading the talks as the transfer saga attracts attention and paves exciting times for the fans as Wiltz likely gears up for a Liverpool deal. If not, Cherki becomes the club’s newest signing.
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov… Read More
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