LIVE
...

Follow us on

Transfer News

Who is Man Utd target Rayan Cherki? Age, position, stats and Eric Cantona comparisons

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s summer transfer window is set to see the attack strengthened as a priority, and Lyon star Rayan Cherki is tipped to be on Ineos’ radar.

Due to the struggle Manchester United have had when trying to score goals this season, there could be at least two new front three additions to the ranks this summer.

Ruben Amorim’s squad will likely be permanently rid of Antony this summer, with Atletico Madrid showing interest in a permanent transfer due to his impressive La Liga loan form. Meanwhile, the future of Rasmus Hojlund is completely up in the air.

Marcus Rashford looks likely to secure a permanent exit this summer, with his impressive time at Aston Villa sure to attract suitors in the event that Unai Emery’s side don’t trigger their £40m buy option.

To replace these three, United are among the favourites to sign Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, with his £62.5 million release clause looking like a bargain for a player who has made Premier League football look so easy.

Rayan Cherki from Lyon is another option for United. Here is everything you need to know about him.

FBL-EUR-C3-LYON-MAN UTD
Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images

Rayan Cherki to Manchester United latest transfer news

In terms of natural talent, Cherki is among the very best currently in the game around Europe. A true throwback to when football was more expressive, it would be a very exciting transfer for United to complete.

With this in mind, United are leading the race to sign Cherki, according to recent reports. With a transfer value of just £20m, he could be an incredible bargain for Ineos to complete.

Cherki has been wanted by United since he was 15 years old, however, his attitude was always considered a problem. However, Cherki has been too good for United not to consider this season as he has finally begun to realise his potential.

Who is Rayan Cherki?

Cherki is a professional footballer who currently plays in Ligue 1 for Lyon. Cherki is a French U21 international and widely considered to be one of the most exciting attackers in Europe this season.

Cherki has had a tremendous season for Lyon with 11 goals and 18 assists in all competitions after 38 appearances.

When and where was Rayan Cherki born? How old is he?

Cherki was born on the 17th of August, 2003, making him 21 years old. Cherki was born in Lyon, France, which is 736 miles away from Old Trafford.

What height is Rayan Cherki? How tall is he in feet?

Cherki stands at 1.77m tall, which is 5ft 10in. This makes him a centimetre smaller than Bruno Fernandes.

FCSB v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg
Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images

What position can Rayan Cherki play?

Cherki has proven himself very versatile throughout his career so far, but if signed by United, he would be a right-sided No.10 in Amorim’s system.

PositionGamesGoalsAssists
Attacking midfield651910
Right wing521119
Left wing1805
Centre forward830
Second striker100
Right midfield110
Central midfield101

Who does Rayan Cherki play like? How good is he?

Cherki is a very special player, with his possible impact on United compared with Eric Cantona as a mercurial talent who could be a catalyst for greatness. However, he also shares the attitude issues in common with Cantona.

In today’s game, Cherki can be likened to Cole Palmer, most notably with both best on in an inside right wing role, cutting onto their left foot.

Cherki has been backed to ‘reach the highest level’ in football by Nemanja Matic, with his ‘immense talent’ winning over United, as he also grabbed a goal in the Europa League quarter-final against Amorim’s side.

Rayan Cherki career stats

Cherki has spent his entire career at Lyon to date, playing for the first team from a young age.