Rayan Cherki’s situation at Olympique Lyonnais has taken a dramatic turn, with the young talent now training separately from the first team as his departure from the French club seems imminent. The 21-year-old midfielder, whose contract expires in June 2025, has attracted interest from several clubs, including Lazio, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.
Calciomercato report Lazio sees Cherki as a potential low-cost option to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes. The Italian club is monitoring the situation closely, viewing him as an alternative to their primary target, Folorunsho.
Lyon’s manager, Pierre Sage, confirmed Cherki’s uncertain future in a recent press conference, stating, “There’s always the possibility of a departure for Rayan Cherki. We were expecting him to go to Paris, then to Dortmund, and now we’re more prepared for his transfer.”
Interestingly, Fulham had reached an agreement with Lyon for Cherki’s transfer, reportedly worth 15 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses. However, the player himself rejected the move to Craven Cottage, preferring other options.
Lyon’s sporting director, David Friio, also acknowledged the likelihood of Cherki’s departure, saying, “We’ve spoken with him at the start of the summer and are trying to find a solution. He will certainly leave.”
For Lazio, Cherki represents an opportunity to acquire a talented young player at a reduced price due to his contract situation. The Roman club could potentially secure his services for around 15 million euros, significantly less than his market value.
However, Lazio isn’t alone in their pursuit. While Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have cooled their interest, other clubs may enter the race as the transfer deadline approaches.
