Lyon owner John Textor has opened up about the future of rising star Rayan Cherki and the club’s plans for the January transfer window. Speaking to reporters, Textor revealed that while Cherki was close to joining PSG last summer, his value has since increased significantly.
“We lost €15m from his potential sale [to PSG] last summer, but now his value is way higher,” said Textor. Despite the speculation, Textor emphasized that Cherki’s future depends on the player himself, stating, “He should stay in January, but it’s up to Rayan, as is always the case in football.”
Lyon’s Squad Dilemma
Textor highlighted the challenges posed by Lyon’s overstocked squad. With 29 players in the first team, the club has an excess of six players, making it difficult for the coach to manage resources effectively.
“The coach has almost impossible decisions to make. I hate rumours about which players to sell; it all depends on the opportunities,” he remarked. Textor expressed a desire to reduce the squad size to 23 or 24 players to improve efficiency and allow for potential recruitment in key areas.
Transfer Plans and Future Strategy
Looking ahead to the January transfer window, Textor acknowledged the need for adjustments. The club’s focus will be on balancing the squad by offloading surplus players while strengthening their position in the league.
While specific names have not been mentioned, it’s clear that Lyon will be proactive in reshaping their team to align with their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
John Textor’s comments underline Lyon’s commitment to managing their squad effectively while addressing transfer market dynamics. Cherki’s future remains a focal point, with the club keen to retain its talented midfielder unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
As January approaches, Lyon’s plans to streamline their squad and potentially reinforce key areas will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike.