Liverpool Are In Talks To Recruit This Ligue 1 Winger: What Will He Bring To Anfield? | OneFootball

In a recent post on X, respected journalist David Ornstein revealed that Liverpool are in talks to recruit Olympique Lyonnais winger Rayan Cherki. It has been stated that the Reds are eyeing a move to bring the French youngster to Merseyside this summer.

Cherki’s Impressive Run Of Form In French Football

Cherki enjoyed a productive campaign at Lyon recently as he produced a lot of match-winning displays for them in the final third. The French wing wizard participated in 44 matches for his current club last season, finding the back of the net on 12 occasions and securing 20 assists in multiple competitions.

The 21-year-old was a reliable performer in the opposition half after he averaged 1.98 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. He kept 42.2% of his attempts on target. Cherki was even accurate with his ball distribution based on his pass success rate of 78.5% in the French top flight (stats via fbref.com).

Cherki is under contract at Lyon until next summer which could give the Reds a chance to sign him on the cheap this off-season.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE – JULY 30: Rayan Cherki #18 of Team France during the Men’s group A match between New Zealand and France during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on July 30, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

What Will Cherki Bring To Liverpool?

Cherki can shoot the ball with venom from long range and has proven his worth as an excellent playmaker in the final third over the past ten months.

The French talent picked up assists for fun in Ligue 1 last season and also managed to score his fair share of goals from the flanks. He mainly operates as a right-winger but can also play as a left-sided wide player or as an attacking midfielder down the middle if needed. However, only time will tell whether Cherki can make a smooth transition to life at Merseyside.

We can expect him to bring more quality to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s attack. He is more than capable of competing for regular first-team football at Anfield next season.

At 21, Cherki has the potential to be a generational talent, so the Reds would do well to get a deal over the line for him this summer. However, Slot needs to give the French playmaker some time to adjust to life in England as he might struggle to cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League.