Premier League giants Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Olympique Lyonnais winger Rayan Cherki as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian’s contract set to expire this summer, Soccernet.football understands.
The Daily Mail recently reported that Liverpool view Cherki as a potential successor to Salah. Meanwhile, Lyon is believed to be open to selling the player to ease their financial difficulties.
Cherki’s current employers Lyon, find themselves in a very difficult position after the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion) handed the club a heavy sanction last week.
Lyon is now staring down the possibility of relegation to Ligue 2 unless significant financial improvements are made. This precarious situation may compel the club to sell key players, such as Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana, at discounted prices during the winter transfer window.
Cherki, who signed a two-year contract extension in September, provides the club with some bargaining power in any negotiations. However, L’Équipe suggests that the French youngster could still depart this winter.
While Cherki ultimately dreams of playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid, both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are keeping a close eye on his situation.
According to Foot Mercato, France Under-21 international is valued between €30 million and €35 million (£25 million to £29.2 million), with Liverpool currently monitoring the young talent.
However, the Merseyside giants face competition from other top European clubs, including French champions Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, and reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, who are also reportedly interested in the 21-year-old.
So far this season, Cherki has proved to be a lively presence for Lyon out on the right flank whenever he has been afforded a chance to play. His tally of 1 goal and 1 assist in four starts can be considered decent output.