21-year-old Forward ‘Wants to Join’ Liverpool in £25m Summer Move – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool-Linked Rayan Cherki Keen on Premier League Move Amid Slot Caution

Rayan Cherki, the Lyon sensation who continues to light up Ligue 1 with his creative flair and attacking versatility, is reportedly eager to join Liverpool this summer, according to a detailed report from GiveMeSport. The 21-year-old, who can operate as a winger or attacking midfielder, is available for a reported £25 million—a fee that many would consider a bargain for such a highly experienced young player.

The numbers back up the growing excitement: Cherki has made 182 appearances for Lyon, netting 29 goals and contributing 44 assists. In the current campaign alone, he has scored 12 goals and delivered 19 assists in 41 matches. These are impressive returns for a player who has consistently been one of Lyon’s standout performers.

As GiveMeSport reports: “Cherki’s agent has been eager to contact Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City to discover whether they would be prepared to make a move for his services in the coming months… but he has already decided that he would be eager to head to Anfield.”

Photo IMAGO

Man United Cools Interest as Spurs Step Up

While the Frenchman’s agent has cast a wide net in search of potential suitors, not every top-six club is maintaining interest. According to the same GiveMeSport report, Manchester United’s “admiration” for Cherki has now “faded”, possibly due to their shifting transfer priorities or concerns over fit. In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have a “genuine interest”.

Newcastle United, fresh off a Carabao Cup triumph and strong league campaign, are also monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, clubs like Fulham, West Ham, and Crystal Palace have been ruled out by the player himself—Cherki reportedly has “no interest whatsoever” in joining these sides.

Liverpool’s Mixed Feelings

Despite Cherki’s clear preference for Anfield, it appears the feeling isn’t wholly mutual. As GiveMeSport explains: “There is some scepticism over whether Slot is prepared to grant the winger’s wish as the Dutch tactician is pushing to make stringent personality checks and seeking very specific traits when considering his options in the transfer market.”

Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to a historic Premier League title in his debut season, is taking a meticulous approach to recruitment. The squad already boasts attacking talents like Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, while Mohamed Salah’s long-term commitment provides further stability on the flanks.

Photo: IMAGO

With Darwin Nunez rumoured to be on his way out and Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool career disrupted by injuries, some might see Cherki as a long-term investment to revitalise depth. However, Slot’s vision appears more targeted. TEAMtalk has noted that Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is a major target for Liverpool, signalling a preference for an out-and-out forward rather than a wide playmaker.

Where Would Cherki Fit?

From a tactical standpoint, Cherki offers versatility, but he isn’t the profile Liverpool are urgently seeking. His skill set might overlap with players already at the club, such as Gakpo or Harvey Elliott, limiting his potential impact without a clear role.

That said, it’s difficult to ignore the sheer talent and potential Cherki brings. His age, experience, and technical ability make him a compelling option for any top Premier League side. If Liverpool’s recruitment team can be convinced of his temperament and work ethic—key criteria under Slot—then this could be one to watch.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Liverpool supporter, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the idea of Rayan Cherki donning the red shirt at Anfield. Coming off an exhilarating season under Arne Slot, who’s just delivered us our first Premier League title since 2020, expectations are sky-high—and so are standards.

Cherki’s creativity and directness would certainly add flair and depth, especially if we’re rotating in the Champions League and domestic competitions. The £25 million price tag makes him an attractive option in a bloated market, and he’s clearly motivated, with GiveMeSport confirming that “Cherki wants to join Liverpool this summer.”

But Slot’s hesitance makes sense. We’ve moved past buying names just for buzz. The modern Liverpool model demands more—mental resilience, discipline, and a selfless commitment to team play. If Cherki checks those boxes, fans will welcome him with open arms. If not, we trust Slot to find the right fit elsewhere—possibly someone like Isak, who better complements our forward line.

Either way, Cherki’s story is one to keep an eye on. Whether he joins us or not, this summer is shaping up to be another critical chapter in Liverpool’s next era of dominance.