French Star’s “World Class” Performance Coincides With Reds’ Concrete Interest | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki on Liverpool and Man Utd radar after dazzling display

Cherki’s Old Trafford masterclass sparks transfer talk

Manchester United may have secured a dramatic Europa League quarter-final win at Old Trafford, but it was Lyon’s Rayan Cherki who left many talking long after the final whistle. The 21-year-old lit up the tie with a goal and a mesmerising all-round performance that underlined why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

Cherki’s attacking flair was on full display as he tormented United’s defence throughout the contest, offering a blend of technical brilliance, vision and unpredictability. His efforts, although not enough to steer Lyon into the semi-finals, have undoubtedly raised his stock among Europe’s elite clubs.

Interest reignites from Premier League heavyweights

Manchester United, long-time admirers of the French starlet, appear poised to rekindle their interest. The Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils were tracking Cherki closely even during his teenage years and hosted him at their Carrington training base during an earlier scouting phase.

That early groundwork may now prove valuable, with Liverpool also entering the frame. The Merseyside club are said to be monitoring Cherki’s situation closely, keen to inject youthful creativity into their squad ahead of a potentially transformative summer window. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs, setting the stage for a high-profile transfer battle.

With his contract approaching its final stretch, Lyon may find themselves under pressure to sell if the right offer comes in — especially from clubs capable of offering Champions League football and long-term development.

Statistics underline Cherki’s rise

This season, Cherki has delivered numbers that speak volumes about his attacking prowess. He has registered 8 goals and 9 assists in Ligue 1, supplementing that with 4 goals and 8 assists in the Europa League. That takes his tally to a remarkable 29 direct goal involvements across all competitions.

What makes these figures more compelling is the manner in which Cherki operates. “He’s just generally a joy to watch,” noted a source close to the club. Possessing the flair of a street footballer but the tactical intelligence to impact games at the highest level, the Lyon playmaker offers a unique profile that is increasingly rare.

Character questions still linger

Despite the undeniable talent, concerns around Cherki’s consistency and off-pitch environment persist. The Daily Mail has suggested he’s “a bit of a maverick” and that he’s “divided opinion in the past due to some of the people around him.”

While this season appears to be proving some of those critics wrong, any club investing heavily in Cherki will have to weigh the talent against the temperament. Manchester United, in particular, have experienced challenges managing egos in recent years — a dynamic they’ll be wary of repeating.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are known for their strong dressing-room culture and emphasis on character fit, which could give them an edge in negotiations if Cherki decides the Premier League is his next step.

Statistical Analysis

When compared to traditional midfielders, Rayan Cherki’s attacking output is nothing short of exceptional. He ranks in the 99th percentile for assists, expected assisted goals (xAG), shot-creating actions, and non-penalty goals, firmly establishing himself as one of the most dangerous offensive outlets in European football. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) stands at the 98th percentile, and when combining npxG with xAG, he again sits in the 99th percentile — a reflection of his consistent end product in the final third.

In possession, Cherki continues to shine. He’s in the 99th percentile for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, underlining his ball-carrying threat. His ability to progress the ball via passes is also elite (96th percentile), and he’s heavily involved in buildup play with a 98th percentile ranking for touches. His pass completion is slightly lower at 80th percentile, which is typical of high-risk, creative players who attempt the difficult final ball.

However, his defensive contribution is almost non-existent. He sits at the very bottom (1st percentile) for tackles and interceptions, blocks, clearances, and aerials won. With only 14th percentile in dribblers tackled, it’s evident he provides very little off the ball.

Overall, Cherki as a midfielder resembles a pure No.10 — a high-ceiling creator who must be protected in midfield by more defensively sound players. In systems like those at Liverpool or Manchester United, he’d thrive best as a floating playmaker ahead of a double pivot or within a flexible attacking trio.

What lies ahead?

Cherki has the flair, form, and fearless mindset to thrive at the highest level. Whether he ends up at Liverpool, Man Utd, or another European powerhouse, his name will be central to this summer’s transfer narrative. But as is often the case with prodigious talent, the question remains — can he turn potential into lasting impact?