Transfer News: Barcelona, Real Madrid keen on Rayan Cherki

Barcelona and Real Madrid are among an array of European clubs that are reportedly interested in Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki.

Italian publication Calciomercato claim that Rayan Cherki is the subject of interest of several European clubs. Barcelona, Real Madrid and even Juventus have been named in the report that claims that the Lyon wonderkid is being lined up for a summer move.

The report states that Cherki is one of three Lyon players that Juventus are interested in; Moussa Dembele and Houssem Aouar being the other two. Calciomercato also report that Juventus have already been in talks with Lyon. But, Real Madrid and Barcelona pose a challenge for the midfielder.

Rayan Cherki became the youngest scorer in Lyon’s history and the second youngest Champions League debutante for the club. The youngster has performed beyond his age. At just 16, Cherki has 12 senior appearances this season for Lyon, with 3 goals and 2 assists to show for his efforts.

“Rayan Cherki is Rayan Cherki. It’s like Zidane or Mbappe—there’s only one” | @tomwfootball profiles Lyon’s 16-year-old star tipped to be better than Kylian Mbappe

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 27, 2020

His form in the UEFA Youth League though, has been otherworldly. 5 goals and an assist in 4 games has seen Cherki not only make a case for more appearances in the senior team but also pique the interest of the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are both clubs that are keen on youth recruitment and have always scoured for the best young talents available in the market.  But, of late, the Catalans have seen an exodus of sorts, with even their recruits choosing to leave, the latest example being Louie Barry.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, have had a good recent record in terms of recruitment and are perhaps looking at Cherki as a potential first-teamer in the immediate future. For Cherki, the interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus will be a resounding acceptance of his potential and ability from the who’s who of the footballing world.

But, at 16, the midfielder needs regular game time more than anything else. And, there is little chance of him getting as much regular time at any of these clubs as he is being afforded at Lyon. Despite the interest, which is most likely flattering, we expect Cherki to stay put and continue his growth at Lyon.