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Rayan Cherki and Federico Chiesa: A Tale of Two Prospects and Their Futures

Well it kills about if time during the international break eh. When the footballing rumour mill starts to churn, names like Rayan Cherki and Federico Chiesa inevitably crop up. Both players are brimming with potential, but the reality of their respective situations makes any prospective transfer move fraught with challenges. Despite Liverpool’s reported interest in Cherki, as noted by RMC Sport, it’s difficult to imagine this becoming a reality. Meanwhile, Chiesa’s potential return to Italy remains under scrutiny, with Luciano Spalletti offering some candid advice for the winger. They feel directly linked if there is anything in it.

Cherki’s Complex Persona and Liverpool’s Interest

Rayan Cherki, Lyon’s versatile attacking midfielder, is undeniably a special talent. At just 21 years old, he has already made 111 appearances for his club, scoring 14 goals and providing 16 assists. His creativity and flair are well-documented, yet questions about his attitude persist. French football expert Jonathan Johnson did not mince words on the matter, stating, “He doesn’t always conduct himself like he should on the pitch or in training, and there is quite a problematic relationship between the player’s entourage and the club, so that could get in the way of his development.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool, renowned for their high standards under Arne Slot, prioritise work ethic and discipline as much as raw talent. These attributes have been non-negotiable in recent years, forming the backbone of their success. Given Johnson’s remarks about Cherki’s temperament and his occasionally strained relationship with Lyon, it is difficult to see him fitting into the Liverpool dressing room.

Furthermore, Lyon’s well-documented financial difficulties, paired with Cherki’s €20 million market value, make him a target for European clubs. But Liverpool, already stocked with attacking midfield options, might hesitate to add such a volatile element to their squad.

Chiesa’s National Team Ambitions and Italy’s Influence

Federico Chiesa, on the other hand, faces a different challenge. Currently at Liverpool but having struggled for consistent minutes due to injury, the Italian international has been repeatedly linked with a return to Serie A. With just 78 minutes played this season across all competitions, Chiesa needs regular game time to regain form and stake his claim for a spot in Italy’s national team. Italy manager Luciano Spalletti was clear about what Chiesa needs to do to get back into the squad.

Photo: IMAGO

“Obviously, these specialist players have to do it at a level that suits our team; if they do it below that level, it becomes a bit more difficult,” Spalletti said. He further noted, “It’s always right to go and gain experience abroad. The young players who come out of the Primavera teams, for example, should push themselves to go and lay abroad. I’m thinking about Calafiori, Donnarumma, it’s something that everyone should do in my opinion.” Chiesa’s situation raises an interesting point.

If Liverpool are unable to give him consistent playing time for a number of reasons (mainly the intensity and his fitness), a return to Italy might be understandable and add weight to the current rumours. That’s all they are at the moment though.

Balancing Potential and Risk

Both Cherki and Chiesa represent the age-old footballing conundrum: balancing potential with risk. Cherki is considered “one of the most talented players to ever come through Lyon’s academy,” as Johnson stated, but his attitude remains a concern. Meanwhile, Chiesa’s undeniable skill is offset by his inability to stay fit and find consistent form at Liverpool.

Photo: IMAGO

Ultimately, it is difficult to see Liverpool diving into the Cherki sweepstakes, given Slot’s emphasis on team harmony and Cherki’s reputation for being a “difficult character.” As for Chiesa, even if Liverpool were open to letting him go that doesn’t mean Cherki comes straight in. For now, both players’ futures remain shrouded in uncertainty, but their stories will undoubtedly be ones to watch as the January transfer window approaches. Then again, this could all be chip later on a week or so.