"I'm told": Ornstein reveals Man Utd would have to pay "much more" than £18.9m to sign 20-assist star
Manchester United are bracing for a pivotal summer after enduring a nightmare 2024–25 season.
Their latest heartbreak came in the Europa League final, where a 1–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur left them empty-handed and exposed deeper cracks in the squad.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with signing Lyon star Rayan Cherki this summer and journalist David Ornstein has now dropped a key update on the situation.
He said (via The Athletic): “There is no release clause on Cherki. I don’t think these are allowed in French football. Many have suggested he can leave Lyon for €22.5million (£18.9m).
“I’m told this is not the case and that Lyon are looking for much more money than that. It will take a proper negotiation.”
Cherki has showcased his quality as a dynamic and versatile forward, though he has been most devastating when deployed on the right flank.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic 2024-25 season, netting 12 goals and providing 20 assists in 44 games across all competitions.
His standout performances earned him spots in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year and the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season for 2024–25.
When United faced Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, Cherki turned heads with an electric performance.
The Red Devils have a ‘strong interest’ but any hopes of a bargain deal at around £19m will likely be shot down by the Ligue 1 side.
With several top clubs expected to enter the fray, a bidding war could drive the price far beyond what United had hoped for.
United are set to work with a very tight budget due to the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Cherki could bring the spark of creativity desperately missing from United’s uninspiring frontline.
Without the lure of European football, tempting the Frenchman to move to Old Trafford may prove an uphill battle for United officials.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .