Rayan Cherki’s dazzling performances for Olympique Lyonnais have positioned the Franco-Algerian forward at the centre of growing transfer speculation, as several European giants line up to secure his signature ahead of the summer window.
With 12 goals and 18 assists across all competitions in the 2024–2025 campaign, the 21-year-old has established himself as Lyon’s most consistent attacking threat.
Notably, Cherki leads the assist charts in this season’s Europa League, delivering eight assists and proving decisive in high-pressure situations.
Cherki’s versatility, ambidexterity, and ability to influence matches from multiple attacking roles have made him an invaluable asset for Lyon.
Whether deployed centrally or out wide, the club’s academy graduate continues to terrorise defences with his creativity and composure in the final third.
While his contract runs until June 2026, Lyon are expected to face significant pressure to retain their in-form star.
Borussia Dortmund have been closely monitoring his progress in recent months, and Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move to add depth and dynamism to their attacking ranks.
Cherki has never hidden his ambitions. Speaking previously about his career aspirations, he stated candidly, “Everyone knows that I dream of playing for Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world.
I get up every day to make my dreams come true.” That dream may be drawing closer if his current form continues through the remainder of the season.
Beyond his club future, questions also persist regarding his international allegiance.
Born in France to an Italian father and an Algerian mother, Cherki has represented France at every youth level but has not yet made a senior international appearance.
Algeria has long been interested in securing his services, and the player has acknowledged that interest.
“I am happy and proud of the interest the Algerians have shown in me. One thing at a time,” Cherki commented when asked about the possibility of representing the Fennecs.
As he edges toward a pivotal moment in both his club and international career, Cherki appears unfazed by the attention.
Instead, his focus remains firmly on continuing his upward trajectory with Lyon, where he has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
Whether he stays in Ligue 1 for another season or makes the leap to one of Europe’s elite clubs remains to be seen.
However, if Cherki’s development continues at this pace, a high-profile move seems less a matter of if, and more a matter of when.
The coming months could be defining for the Lyon star — both in choosing the shirt he wears at international level, and in deciding where he continues his rapid rise on the European stage.
