Report: Liverpool weigh up move as Lyon star pushes for Anfield switch | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Lyon Star But Slot’s Standards Could Halt £25m Move

Cherki’s Talent Catching Premier League Eyes

Rayan Cherki has been turning heads across Europe for some time, and with 182 senior appearances under his belt at just 21, it’s no surprise that clubs in England are circling. The Lyon playmaker, capable of dazzling from wide or centrally, has notched 12 goals and 19 assists in 41 appearances this season—impressive numbers that reinforce his growing reputation.

According to GiveMeSport, Cherki’s representatives have reached out to Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, in a strategic push to place their client on a bigger stage. But it’s Liverpool who appear to be at the top of Cherki’s wishlist. “Cherki wants to join Liverpool this summer,” the report makes clear.

Yet this isn’t a straightforward courtship. While Cherki is seemingly eager to don the red shirt, his agent’s call to United—and United’s lukewarm response—illustrates the risks of playing the field. Fulham, Palace and West Ham have also shown interest, but Cherki has flatly dismissed the idea of joining those clubs.

Slot’s Caution Signals a New Era

In the past, Liverpool may have gambled on raw talent, but Arne Slot’s cautious tone suggests a more refined recruitment process is now in play. “There is some scepticism over whether Slot is prepared to grant the winger’s wish,” GiveMeSport reports. The Dutch manager’s meticulous approach, rooted in character assessments and role-specific needs, is a marked departure from scattergun summer windows of old.

Slot wants players who are not only tactically intelligent but also mentally robust—a crucial criterion as Liverpool look to build on their title-winning campaign and return to Champions League glory.

Depth in Attack Dampens Urgency

Another factor complicating Cherki’s Anfield ambition is Liverpool’s current depth in attacking roles. Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo offer strong options on the flanks, while emerging academy talents and versatile forwards like Diogo Jota ensure the frontline is far from threadbare.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s reluctance could also stem from a desire not to stifle internal competition or block pathways for younger players already embedded in the system.

Premier League Rivals Pose External Threat

Tottenham, meanwhile, are circling with “genuine interest,” according to the report, and Newcastle United could also make a move. The Magpies, with the allure of European football and a trophy already in the cabinet, may offer Cherki the platform he craves—without the red tape of Liverpool’s new recruitment philosophy.

With a £25 million price tag, Cherki is a financially reasonable prospect. But the question remains: is he a Liverpool player in more than just ambition?

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, Rayan Cherki ticks a lot of boxes—technical flair, positional versatility, and top-tier experience at a young age. But there’s a real sense that under Arne Slot, the club are finally shifting away from signing players for headlines rather than the system. That’s a welcome development.

Cherki’s raw numbers—29 goals and 44 assists for Lyon—look promising, but the real concern lies in how he fits culturally and tactically. Klopp’s Liverpool was a machine built on pressing, work-rate and team-first mentality. If Slot is pushing for “stringent personality checks,” it suggests he wants that ethic retained and refined.

It’s also worth noting that Liverpool’s left side is saturated. Díaz has come into his own, and Gakpo’s evolution as a hybrid forward makes him a mainstay, and on the right he would be up against Mo Salah.

Still, fans won’t ignore the flair factor. Cherki could light up Anfield on his day. But this Liverpool no longer trades in potential alone—consistency, character and cohesion rule. And if that’s the bar, it’s up to Cherki to prove he belongs.