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Ligue 1 star’s entourage reached out to Manchester United ahead of ptoential summer switch

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated May 16, 2025 3:15 PM ET

Rayan Chekri’s entourage reaches out to Manchester United

Rayan Cherki has been attracting the attention of several European giants for some time now, but it now looks like his future could be moving closer and closer to the Premier League. After several failed attempts to move to other destinations in the past, his agents have started to move more strongly, knocking on the doors of clubs that have been eyeing him for months now. The situation in Lyon seems to have reached a point where an exit is not only possible but logical. The Premier League clubs see an opportunity that did not exist before. Cherki, at 21, is no longer a promising prospect but a concrete option.

Manchester United is at the centre of this story. According to recent reports from Caught Offside, the club have reportedly been approached by the player’s representatives. At Old Trafford, they know him well; they saw him in direct action during the Europa League, where his speed, vision and dribbling did not go unnoticed. With 12 goals and 18 assists this season, he has shown consistency and maturity. Sources close to the operation say the coaching staff have held internal talks about how he would fit into a team looking to rejuvenate its attack.

Contact made

Doubts around the performances of Rashford and Antony have accelerated the analysis. Cherki represents something different: a skilful left-footed player with the ability to play inside or out, with the personality to call for the ball at key moments. Although Liverpool and other English clubs are also keeping an eye on him, United’s interest is concrete. Amorim has already reviewed technical reports on the player.

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From United‘s point of view, it is an operation that makes sense. Cherki fits the young profile the club have sought in other windows, and if Amorim sticks to his 3-4-2-1 system, the Frenchman could occupy one of the two positions behind the centre-forward. He could start on the left or float down the centre, generating numerical superiority and quick partnerships with Bruno Fernandes or Garnacho.

His creativity could be used to break down low blocks, one of the team’s biggest problems. Of course, he is not a cheap signing; Lyon will not let their player leave without a considerable offer. The maximum United should offer is around €45 million. More than that would be an unnecessary risk for someone who has yet to establish himself in a demanding league. The impact could be high if he is surrounded well, but it will all depend on whether Amorim sees him as a priority. Cherki has talent, but he is not an automatic solution. He requires getting adapted to the tactics, minutes, and confidence. If United decide to go for him, they should do so with a clear plan, not as a reaction to previous failures. This signing can work, but only if it is executed intelligently.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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