Newcastle United bids for Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki

In recent days, Newcastle United has been in the rumor mill as the team has eyed Bruno Guimaraes’ ex-team-mate, Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

As the Magpies look to move up in the ranks for the 2023-24 season, depth and large acquisitions are certainly on their agenda.

Lyon’s French midfielder Rayan Cherki (L) fights for the ball with Toulouse’s Dutch midfielder Stijn Spierings (R) during the French L1 football match between Toulouse FC and Olympique Lyonnais at the Stadium de Toulouse in Toulouse, southern France, on April 14, 2023. (Photo by Valentine CHAPUIS / AFP) (Photo by VALENTINE CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Cherki has emerged as a young star for Lyon at the ripe age of 19 years old. Since joining the club at the age of 15 years old, he has worked his way through the ranks of the club before finding his way onto the senior team.

In the 2022-23 campaign, he knocked in four goals while helping dish off six assists showing incredible value at such a young age.

Newcastle United has taken note of that, and has reportedly been in the market for him.

The reason the Magpies have had a sudden interest in Cherki comes after the team missed out on Leicester City’s James Maddison, who joined Tottenham Hotspur. That move came as a surprise for the club and its supporters as it seemed that there was a mutual connection between Newcastle and Maddison before the deal was completed to join the Spurs.

However, even though they missed out they have continued to keep their best foot forward in pursuit of building depth.

The Frenchman midfielder would be that perfect balance of depth and quality as at such a young age the Magpies can give him opportunities to grow within the club.

Recent reports have suggested that the coming Champions League club sent a £17 million bid for him.

So, what is the issue?

Well, Lyon views Cherki as a player worth roughly £43 million, and Newcastle United already has a solid midfield, including recent transfer acquisition, Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

A move like this, with so much money involved, would not make much sense for the team.

Outside of the starters, they have players like Lewis Miley, Elliot Anderson and others who are roughly the same age as Cherki and have shown promise as well.

This transfer, if that asking price is true, seems very unlikely considering the midfielders the team now has on its roster.

Newcastle Toons /

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