This month, Olympique Lyonnais received a major financial sanction from the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), placing the club in a tough financial spot. However, don’t expect a fire sale in the January transfer window.
While OL are required to sell players due to the ruling, they’re determined to hold out for what they consider fair prices. With the threat of relegation to Ligue 2 looming, Lyon needs to sort out its financial issues to avoid this fate.
This could involve letting go of key players like Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana, potentially for less than their market value in the winter window. Cherki, who signed a two-year extension in September, gives Lyon some leverage in negotiations.
However, L’Équipe reports that a January move is still highly likely. Although Cherki has long dreamed of joining Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his situation closely.
Could Lyon be tempted to sell Rayan Cherki?
Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that a winter transfer for Cherki is now a possibility. The 21-year-old Lyon attacker has attracted several inquiries due to his impressive performances.
🚨🔄 Understand that a transfer of Rayan #Cherki in the winter is no longer ruled out. Due to his performances, he has received many inquiries.
There is interest from the Bundesliga, as well as concrete interest from the Premier League.
21 y/o attacking midfielder/winger from… pic.twitter.com/OKooFwQzJY
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 25, 2024
Interest is coming from both the Bundesliga and the Premier League, and concrete offers are on the table as Cherki’s current contract with Lyon runs until 2026.
Recently, TBR Football reported that Liverpool’s £17 million bid for the Frenchman is expected to be rejected, with Lyon holding out for £29 million. Unless the French side are overwhelmed with an offer, Cherki appears to be staying.
