Newcastle United may now re-think their self-imposed transfer embargo as Rayan Cherki could be available from Lyon for a reduced fee.
Lyon are under threat of relegation if they do not get their finances under control this season, and that threat means that the Ligue 1 side will have to sell some big stars and will not be in a strong position to demand high fees for them.
Newcastle have had their eye on France U21 winger Rayan Cherki for a while now, and while there's a very strong feeling that Paul Mitchell won't be dipping into the transfer market during this window, the fact that Cherki is available for just £19 million in January could force the club into action.
Cherki has been likened to Newcastle United fan favourite Hatem Ben Arfa for his style of play. Unfortunately, the comparisons continue beyond the pitch as he has also had his attitude questioned many times, too.
Fabrizio Romano wrote on X that Lyon and Cherki have reached a verbal agreement that if an offer comes in for €22.5 million (£19 million) in January, they will allow the winger to talk to clubs.
"🚨🇫🇷 Rayan Cherki has verbal agreement with OL for January exit available at €22.5m.
"It’s verbal pact with the player, not formal release clause but same value — as @berger_pj reported.
"There are several clubs keen on Cherki."
As Romano says, there are several clubs interested in Cherki, but as for whether Newcastle are one of them remains to be seen.
The attitude reports on Cherki have always been a red flag, but if we think back to Anthony Gordon before Eddie Howe got his hands on him, he was viewed as difficult, too, so we must put trust in Howe to be able to manage that out of him.
With Miguel Almiron moving closer to an exit, £19 million may not be a bad punt for a player we've long admired. The big problem will be fending off the sea of other clubs.
PL | GD | PTS | ||
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1 |
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25 | 36 | 60 |
2 |
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25 | 29 | 53 |
3 |
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25 | 12 | 47 |
4 |
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25 | 17 | 44 |
5 |
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25 | 15 | 43 |
6 |
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25 | 13 | 43 |
7 |
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25 | 9 | 41 |
8 |
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25 | 5 | 39 |
9 |
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25 | -3 | 38 |
10 |
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25 | 0 | 37 |
11 |
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25 | 1 | 34 |
12 |
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25 | 12 | 30 |
13 |
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25 | -3 | 30 |
14 |
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25 | -4 | 30 |
15 |
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25 | -7 | 29 |
16 |
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25 | -18 | 27 |
17 |
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25 | -19 | 19 |
18 |
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25 | -27 | 17 |
19 |
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25 | -30 | 17 |
20 |
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25 | -38 | 9 |