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Liverpool have emerged as a runner in the race to sign Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, with the Reds leveraging their trademark opportunistic transfer strategy amid the French club’s financial turmoil.

RMC Sport as well as Fabrizio Romano have confirmed Liverpool interest in the 21-year-old.

Cherki, whose contract runs until 2026, has a verbal agreement with Lyon allowing him to depart for a cut-price €22.5 million (£19 million), a clause that has piqued Liverpool’s interest as they seek long-term attacking reinforcements.

Cherki’s unique arrangement with Lyon stems from financial pressures threatening the club’s Ligue 1 status.

Despite signing a contract extension in 2024, Lyon president John Textor confirmed a “gentleman’s agreement” permitting Cherki’s exit if the €22.5 million fee is met.

With Lyon desperate to avoid relegation and balance finances, Liverpool could capitalize on a bargain for a player once compared to Lionel Messi by former Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas.

Rayan Cherki in Men’s Top 5 Leagues.

However, Borussia Dortmund and their attempt to sign the Frenchman in the winter has told Liverpool a lot about how OL will negotiate in the summer.

What did Liverpool find out about Rayan Cherki

It seems the situation is not as clear cut as just paying the reported gentlemen’s clause of €22.5 million.

Chief Bild journalist Christian Falk reported that Borussia Dortmund offered that fee and were disappointed that it was rejected by the French outfit:

“Dortmund were very disappointed that their move for Rayan Cherki didn’t work out, as they were sure they could get the player,” the German reporter write in his CaughtOffside Fact Files column.

Falk confirmed that last year’s Champions League finalists submitted a bid worth that amount, only for Lyon to say no.

It’s then fair to say that Liverpool will not be able to get the attacker at the advertised price – and have now learned that the with Lyon owner is looking for a bigger payday in the summer:

“They were surprised and angry to hear Lyon’s owner, John Textor, say it was a shame to receive such a low bid for Cherki

Everyone knew about the gentleman’s agreement between the player and club allowing him to leave in the winter window for €22.5m [£18.7m], but in the end, Dortmund brought this money and Lyon said, ‘No’.

“I think Textor is hoping to get more money for Cherki in the summer

They’re aware that Bayern Munich is also interested, as are other clubs, so perhaps Lyon recognise that they could get a better deal at the end of the season.

“For the player who wanted to join Dortmund in the winter, it’s also disappointing.”

Textor provides a different slant on the matter however, saying to Sky Germany:

“Dortmund’s offer was communicated disrespectfully, far below market value, and poorly timed

Rayan Cherki will remain an important part of our squad until the end of the 2024/25 season.”

Liverpool will no doubt be looking at the situation with interest, as this kind of Cherki deal has the Anfield club written all over it.

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