Borussia Dortmund and Sebastian Kehl to continue pursuit of French attacker? | OneFootball

And so, the transfer saga continues. Regardless of club manager, it seems Borussia Dortmund’s intrest in Rayan Cherki is as high as it’s ever been. According to local news source, Ruhr Nachrichten, Sebastian Kehl is planning on contacting American billionaire and Lyon majority owner, John Textor to try and convince the businessman to allow Rayan Cherki to leave Lyon as desired.

The transfer may be complicated by Textor’s stubborn attitude in addition to his occasional dishonesty. We reported in February that Cherki was keen to join Dortmund, and BVB was planning such a transfer as Rayan Cherki had a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Lyon owner John Textor, that Cherki could leave in the January transfer window. Texter however, reneged on this agreement with public displays of insult toward Borussia Dortmund, with claims of disrespectful offers from the Germans, despite the aforementioned ‘gentleman’s agreement.’ Release clauses are not allowed in French football, so agreements like the one Cherki had with Textor are not uncommon.

Rayan Cherki is an attacking midfielder and could be seen as a replacement for Jamie Gittins, who is widely expected to depart this summer. Cherki has scored six and assisted nine in twenty-three league appearances for Lyon. At the young age of twenty-one, Cherki could be ready to enter his prime in the coming seasons.

Borussia Dortmund could see a major rebuild this summer, with many players underperforming while consuming mammoth wages. Unless several key players improve soon, BVB could look to send them on their way. Cherki would be seen as part of BVB’s long-term plan, but only time will tell how difficult John Textor makes the transfer, as Cherki’s contract runs until June of 2026.