In November, Olympique Lyonnais faced a significant financial penalty from the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), putting the club under considerable financial strain. Despite this, a fire sale during the January transfer window is not a certainty.
While Lyon needs to sell players to meet the requirements of the ruling, the club is committed to waiting for what they believe are fair prices. With the added pressure of a potential relegation to Ligue 2, resolving these financial issues has become crucial.
Key players such as Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana could be on the move, possibly for less than their market value. Cherki’s recent two-year contract extension, signed in September, gives Lyon some leverage, but a report from L’Équipe claims that a January transfer is still likely.
Cherki, who has long aspired to join Real Madrid, is also drawing interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, making his situation one to keep an eye on.
Rayan Cherki drops a cryptic message about his future
Amid the ongoing rumors, Cherki was asked about his future heading into the January window on Thursday after OL’s 3-2 UEFA Europa League win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
“For now, there are still two matches left [before the winter transfer window], and we’ll see at the end of the season if I am still here,” Cherki said to Canal+’s microphone (h/t RMC Sport).
PSG and Dortmund are set to compete with Crystal Palace for Rayan Cherki, according to The Sun. The Athletic has revealed that West Ham’s sporting director, Tim Steidten, has been closely monitoring the Lyon playmaker.
Meanwhile, TBR Football reports that Liverpool’s £17 million bid for the 21-year-old is expected to be rejected, with Lyon holding out for £29 million.
