Rayan Cherki (21) has significantly raised his profile in recent months. Following his most successful professional season to date, the Olympique Lyonnais academy graduate recently earned his first cap for the France national team. Appearing as a substitute in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on Thursday, he scored a spectacular volley and provided an assist, although France was ultimately knocked out.
Having contributed 12 goals and 20 assists for Lyon last season, he is widely expected to make a significant transfer away from his long-time club this summer. Manchester City is reportedly in a strong position to sign the French international, but Liverpool also maintains serious interest.
He has now received considerable praise from Pierre Sage, one of his former managers at OL, who coached Cherki for a year and a half and oversaw his development. Speaking to Le Parisien, Sage shared his thoughts:
“His goal against Spain highlights his unique qualities,” Sage commented. “His capability to perceive things others don`t, combined with executing high-level plays, marks him as a potential world-class player. That specific goal, for instance, is just one illustration of his talent. Rayan, as we know, possesses virtually limitless technical and tactical abilities. Should he consistently demonstrate these traits over time, across different scenarios – for both his club and his national team – there`s simply no obstacle preventing him from evolving into one of the world`s top players in the years ahead.”
Whether his next step will be with Manchester City remains to be seen.
