Latest developments
- Rayan Cherki is the latest player touted to be Mohammed Salah's replacement.
- Liverpool have competition from PSG for his signature.
- Lyon may have to sell him as their financial situation worsens.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Sun not the most reliable
Liverpool's list of targets to replace Mo Salah when the Egyptian's contract expires at the end of the season now includes Lyon's Rayan Cherki.
Reports in The Sun give this rumour elements of doubt, though the divisive British newspaper notes that the news was broken by L'Equipe in France, adding some credibility.
Value (4.5/5): Lyon's money issues can lead to quick sale
France under-23 international Cherki is under contract with Lyon until the end of next season, but with the French side's debts reported to be at £422 million, they may need to sell quickly to build funds.
That is good news for Liverpool, who will know that Fulham had a £35 million offer turned down last January, and this time around Lyon may be willing to accept that or even something closer to his €20 million valuation.
Suitability (3/5): Plenty of experience but not a specialist
Still only 21, Cherki has already made over 150 appearances for the former French champions, whose academy he graduated from.
The concern, though, is that only 38 of those have come as a right-winger while attacking midfielder is his most played position. He is versatile, playing on the left and upfront, too, but without Salah, Liverpool will surely want a right-wing specialist to fill his boots.
Upgrade? (3/5): Depends how Slot sees him
With Salah likely to depart in the summer, Liverpool may not have a single right-winger come the end of the season, thus Cherki would be an a welcome acquisition.
But if manager Arne Slot sees the youngster as a better fit in another area of the pitch, the Cherki will struggle for game time, given Liverpool's wealth of options in the centre and on the left.
Logic (2.5/5): PSG might be more attractive
With Lyon unlikely to be able to offer much going forward, a move away looks optimal for the local lad.
However, the responsibility of replacing a club legend in a league you have never played in, in a position which is not your best, will look very daunting for Cherki. In which case, PSG's apparent interest may be worth pursuing, as at least he knows the league.
Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25
The business might be good for Liverpool, but some of the other options on their list to replace Salah look better bets at this stage, with Cherki's position a major cause for concern here.
