Rayan Cherki sends clear message after choosing between Liverpool and Man City transfer

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Liverpool has yet to finalize the highly publicized transfer of Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz, perhaps opening the door for the Reds to make an eleventh-hour pivot to talented Olympic Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. Coach Arne Slot left his vacation earlier this week to honor a previous meeting with the 21-year-old Frenchman.

Cherki, fresh off a season where he was Ligue 1's top assist provider (and named the league's top dribbler), earned his first call-up to the senior French national team on Thursday. This comes as he's the pawn in a transfer saga between Liverpool and Manchester City. .

He came on in the 63rd minute with his side trailing 4-1 against recent EURO champions Spain in the UEFA Nations League semifinal, and Cherki left as a candidate for man of the match.

The highlight was a smooth strike in the 79th minute. Kylian Mbappe rolled him the ball at the top of the Spanish penalty box. Cherki cooly flicked it up with his right foot before smashing home past goalkeeper Unai Simon with his left.

The ambidextrous Cherki completed 95% of his passes in the cameo, creating three chances (providing one assist) as France nearly completed the comeback, losing 5-4.

Cherki contributed 19 goal contributions in Ligue-1 and a further 12 in the Europa League, leading to European vultures circling around his reported €22.5 million ($26 million) release clause.

A Goal of the Tournament contender from France debutant Rayan Cherki #UNLGOTR | @AlipayPlus pic.twitter.com/6fj4dABpGB — UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025

Cherki told L'Equipe in an interview that he's ready to leave Lyon.

"I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready," he said. "Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer."

Over the last year, the 21-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile across Europe's top-five leagues for progressive passes (per 90), shot-creating actions, and both expected and actual assists.

On Football Reference, Cherki's two most comparable players are Ousmane Dembele — the presumed Ballon d'Or winner — and Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool bid a reported €130 million ($149 million) for Wirtz but are keeping tabs on Cherki.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports the Reds are "performing due diligence" and are "preparing for all outcomes."

Cherki would be more than a consolation prize for Slot and company, and the talented French youngster would certainly cost a lot less than Wirtz.

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