There are many clubs that are annoyed by Real Madrid’s strategy in the transfer market. Just ask Paris Saint-Germain what they think about losing Kylian Mbappe to the Spanish giant. The strategy can best be compared to tempting someone who is already married.
There is little doubt now that Liverpool will lose Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer to Real Madrid next summer.
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The bosses at Anfield have not given up quite yet, but are working on replacements in defence and opportunities to “catch up”.
Liverpool were keen on attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki in the summer, but now that the bearded 21-year-old wants to join Real Madrid, Liverpool are making themselves even more tempting.
The 21-year-old’s name often makes headlines in his native France. The Olympique Lyon star, once one of the club’s highest-rated prospects, has experienced many ups and downs in his still-young career.
Cherki is a unique talent who is reminiscent of the greatest of previous generations. – He has a creativity in the game that has not been seen in a long time, at the same time as he has sometimes struggled to assert himself in an era of rigid tactical systems. At the start of the season, he was actually relegated to the bench.
The attacking midfielder was due to leave Lyon in the summer due to expire his contract next summer, but transfers to PSG and Borussia Dortmund fell through, leading to him receiving a one-year extension.
Since then, Cherki’s performance has improved. He currently boasts two goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, but it is clear that his future does not lie in Lyon.
A move in 2025 is planned, and the club is pushing for the player to leave, not because they don’t value him, but because they need to raise money. On Friday, Lyon bosses met with France’s economic watchdog to discuss their unsatisfactory financial situation. – It didn’t go so well.
Players must be sold for the Ligue 1 side to avoid sanctions, and Cherki is one of the players on the market. Although the 21-year-old dreams of one day playing for Real Madrid, a move to Spain’s capital looks highly unlikely at the moment. There is talk of selling at least seven players.
Instead, the youngster, who has often been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd, could be heading to Merseyside. L’Equipe reports that Liverpool, who had a preliminary summer interest, have once again enquired about Cherki.
Due to Lyon’s need to sell, there could be a transfer as early as January. In the summer, Liverpool were willing to pay 10 million euros while the French club wanted 25 million euros. We believe in something close to 25 million euros.
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