Rayan Cherki has apparently confirmed that he is open to a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer – which could be a big blow for Manchester United.
The Lyon wonderkid is expected to leave his childhood club this summer, as the Ligue 1 club is still struggling financially. Lyon will have to pay off large debts before the end of the season to avoid forced relegation to Ligue 2 – at least according to the media picture.
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The French right winger, who has risen through the ranks at the club and thus becomes pure profit in the event of a sale, has a contract until the end of next season.
But Lyon’s eccentric and controversial owner, John Textor, insists that the club is doing just fine.
“Don’t worry, we have money,” he claimed in a video spread on social media. Stop reading the newspapers, you don’t have to worry. We’re not going to be relegated, we’ve got the money. It is the press that is trying to hurt us.
“Of course, we are going through a tough period in France, but I have invested 293 million euros, and you think I am giving up because they are asking for 50 million?” We’re fine.
Cherki open for PSG transfer
Regardless, Cherki is expected to leave Lyon this summer, after he was already close to a transfer last year. PSG and Borussia Dortmund fought for his signature in the summer of 2024, and the 21-year-old surprisingly prioritized the Bundesliga club.
But Dortmund failed to reach an agreement with Lyon, and a second attempt in January also failed. They are still linked to him, but a summer transfer seems very difficult.
Manchester United in the match
Thanks to impressive performances this season, Cherki has attracted interest from several big clubs, including Manchester United.
PSG reportedly became unhappy with his behaviour last year, leading to speculation that they are no longer interested. But Cherki clearly regrets turning down the Champions League finalists.
During an awards ceremony on Sunday evening, the attacker was asked if he would feel “comfortable” playing alongside PSG’s stars.
“Oh yes, I know them all,” Cherki replied in the affirmative. When you have good chemistry on the pitch, it is also noticeable outside.
When pressed on whether the statement could be interpreted as a transitional hint, he smiled and said: “I don’t know.
With PSG as a possibility and United in the background, Cherki’s future will be one of the most exciting transfer sagas of the summer. Lyon’s financial situation could force a deal through – but where will he end up?
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