Rayan Cherki has reached an agreement to join Liverpool in the upcoming 2025 summer transfer window, pending the final green light from new manager Arne Slot.
The Olympique Lyonnais forward, 21, has opted for the Merseyside club after being tracked by a host of top European sides including Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.
According to reports from GMS, Cherki’s entourage has already informed Liverpool officials of the player’s intention to make the move.
Liverpool’s scouting team had reportedly monitored Cherki’s progress closely during the Europa League campaign, and the club now appears ready to proceed with the signing.
However, while the player has agreed to the switch, it remains for Slot to formally approve the deal before it advances further.
The final decision lies with Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who now oversees all recruitment operations following his appointment in early 2024.
Cherki is enjoying the most productive season of his career so far, registering 12 goals and 19 assists across 41 appearances in all competitions for Lyon.
His ability to operate in multiple roles, from attacking midfielder to either flank or even as a false nine, has made him one of the most coveted young talents in Europe.
Known for his exceptional dribbling, vision and creativity, Cherki is widely regarded as one of the most gifted ball carriers in transition play.
His technical attributes and footballing intelligence have made him a central figure at OL this season, helping to reestablish the club’s attacking rhythm and dynamism.
The proposed move to Liverpool would represent a major step forward in Cherki’s career. It offers him the opportunity to compete in the Premier League and potentially in the UEFA Champions League.
While Liverpool prepares for a new chapter under Slot’s leadership, the addition of a versatile and technically gifted forward like Cherki could play a crucial role in reshaping the club’s attacking options.
On the international stage, Cherki remains at a crossroads. Though he has featured extensively for France at youth level, including the U21s, he is yet to be called up to the senior national team.
Despite his eligibility to represent Algeria through his heritage, Cherki has so far expressed a firm desire to don the French shirt at senior level.
Nonetheless, the possibility of a switch to Algeria continues to generate speculation among fans and media, particularly given his lack of involvement with the France senior setup to date.
As things stand, the immediate focus remains on his club future. Should Slot give his stamp of approval, Liverpool would be poised to secure one of the most technically gifted young attackers in European football.
The decision from Anfield’s new manager is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and could confirm one of the most significant transfers of the summer.
Cherki’s arrival would further underline Liverpool’s commitment to youth and technical flair as the club embarks on a post-Klopp era under fresh leadership.
For now, the football world watches closely to see whether Slot will rubber-stamp the move that could see Rayan Cherki light up the Premier League next season.
