Crystal Palace, Liverpool Receive Boost for £29M-Rated OL Ace as PSG Unlikely to Revisit File

In November, Olympique Lyonnais faced a significant financial penalty from the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), leaving the club in a challenging financial position. Despite this setback, a January fire sale isn’t guaranteed.

Lyon is under pressure to sell players to comply with the ruling but remains determined to hold out for what they consider fair offers. With the added threat of potential relegation to Ligue 2, addressing these financial difficulties has become a top priority.

Key players like Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana could be on the move, potentially for less than their market value. Cherki’s two-year contract extension, signed in September, gives Lyon some bargaining power, but L’Équipe previously reported that a January transfer is still on the cards.

Cherki, who has long dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, is also attracting interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, making his future a key storyline to watch.

Are PSG out of the Rayan Cherki transfer race?

Nonetheless, a new report reveals that the capital club might not pursue the OL standout. According to L’Équipe, PSG are still frustrated by Cherki’s camp’s sudden change of heart during the summer transfer window.

Before joining manager Thierry Henry for the Olympic squad, everything seemed set—PSG, Lyon, and Cherki’s representatives had reached an agreement. The deal was expected to bring €15 million to Lyon, who needed the funds to meet the DNCG’s financial requirements.

For Cherki, it was an opportunity to relaunch his career, which had struggled to take off after nearly five years as a professional. He had even spoken directly with manager Luis Enrique and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Everything was in place, including the medical examination, but Cherki changed his mind at the last moment after Borussia Dortmund showed interest. The German club appealed to the French youth international due to its reputation for developing young talent. Lyon expected a formal offer from Dortmund, but it never arrived.

The Dortmund option quickly fell through, and PSG closed the door on the transfer, even after some renewed discussions in late August. Moreover, the report from L’Equipe notes that there won’t be another chance for Cherki to join PSG in the winter transfer window.

Despite this information, The Sun did report that PSG and Borussia Dortmund are set to compete with Crystal Palace for Cherki. Meanwhile, The Athletic revealed that West Ham’s sporting director, Tim Steidten, has been tracking the Lyon playmaker closely.

TBR Football recently added that Liverpool’s £17 million bid for the 21-year-old is expected to be rejected, as Lyon holds out for £29 million.

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