According to reports, in November last year, the French football financial watchdog (DNCG) temporarily relegated Lyon to Ligue 2 due to debts exceeding €500 million. This situation has caught the attention of European giants—an opportunity for a profitable purchase from a crisis-hit club.

John Textor, owner of Eagle Football Group (Lyon’s parent company), injected €83 million in January, including €20 million from Michele Kang (owner of Lyon’s women’s section) and over €60 million from player sales, such as Luis Henrique to Zenit Saint Petersburg, saving the club from immediate danger. Lyon also reduced wage costs by €5 million through contract terminations and loans. However, to avoid relegation to Ligue 2, Textor must sell other key players, with the market well aware of Lyon’s desperate need.

Qualifying for the UEFA Champions League is crucial for Lyon, currently fourth in Ligue 1 with 51 points, to minimize damage to their squad in the summer transfer window. After selling players like Caqueret (€15M), Orban (€9M), and Jeffinho (€5.3M), and the departures of Anthony Lopes and Florent Sanchez, it’s now Ryan Cherki’s turn—France’s biggest football talent.

Cherki, who shone in Ligue 1 at 16, has become an ideal player for any top-tier team with his unmatched technique, ability to play on both wings or as an attacking midfielder, dazzling dribbles, precise shots, and key passes. Previously criticized for inconsistency and lack of defensive contribution, he has now showcased his best version with 12 goals and 18 assists in 39 matches. In the Europa League, Cherki leads the tournament with 8 assists, 12 goal contributions, 15 big chances created, and 46 key passes.

Emmanuel Petit called him “a rare player in modern football,” while others dubbed him “France’s football genius.” His teammate Corentin Toliso has also praised his impact. Cherki scored in both legs against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals, though Lyon were eliminated.

With Cherki’s contract running until 2026 and Lyon’s dire financial state, his summer transfer seems inevitable. Paris Saint-Germain tried to sign him last season but failed. Now, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United are competing for the 20-year-old star. Cherki could revolutionize the transfer market at an affordable price. The question is: Which European giant will secure this gem?