Liverpool have reportedly joined the race for Lyon wonderkid Mathis Rayan Cherki, who is also being tailed by Manchester City and Manchester United.
According to an exclusive report from 90min, Mathis Rayan Cherki is in demand in the Premier League. The Lyon wonderkid was being linked with Manchester City and Manchester United. It now seems that the current Premier League leaders Liverpool have also entered the scene for Cherki.
Rayan Cherki is a product of the famed Lyon academy setup and plays in attack mostly as a forward or an attacking midfielder. Despite being just 16, the forward has already made his debut in Ligue 1 and the Champions League for Lyon, playing cameos in all three of his appearances for the senior side.
But, it is his form for Lyon in the UEFA Youth League that has caught the attention of big clubs. 4 goals and an assist from 3 appearances in the competition and good form for the Reserves so far was enough for the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United to take note of his talent.
Two @rayan_cherki beauties for #TeamOL Reserves against Marseille! ❤️?pic.twitter.com/80MlpJHQkL
— OL English ?? (@OL_English) December 1, 2019
Cherki plays in a position that Manchester United need to strengthen in the coming transfer window(s). Andreas Pereira has had a shocking 2019-20 season so far while Juan Mata seems to be regressing faster as age catches up to him. A number 10 is top on the shopping list at Manchester United and bringing in a young talent like Cherki could be the way to go forward.
Also, Manchester United’s insistence on pushing their youth forward to the senior team could be an incentive for Cherki to make the jump to England from Lyon.
Manchester City could bring Cherki in to develop him further and maybe be the long-term replacement for David Silva and potentially Kevin De Bruyne, if the Belgian does leave for newer pastures in the coming seasons.
Liverpool don’t naturally need a number 10. But, Cherki’s ability to play as a forward entices the Reds, who are still without a natural centre forward, with Roberto Firmino more of a Trequartista.
Also, the Reds are looking to amp up their recruitment of potential generational talents and Cherki fits the bill – the Lyon star recently became the second youngest star to make his Champions League debut.
Cherki’s current Lyon contract runs till 2022 but the club will be worried by the stature of clubs that are reportedly chasing the 16-year-old. At the moment, Lyon seems like the best bet and any move will have to wait till the summer, which could also benefit suitors as they can see how the forward develops over the season if played more in the senior team at Lyon.
