Optimism was in the air in Barcelona's offices with the name of Rayan Cherki, the young talent from Olympique de Lyon was one of the profiles Deco was closely following. He is liked for his unpredictability, his vision of the game, and that differential quality that can decide matches. However, at Can Barça, they are once again late to a race now led by Chelsea.
The London team has accelerated as soon as they secured their ticket for the next edition of the Champions League. With Enzo Maresca's project at the helm, the Blues are looking for young profiles with room for growth but who have already shown important things in European soccer. Cherki fits that profile perfectly, he is young, talented, and with notable experience in Ligue 1.
According to information from France, Chelsea has already established contacts with the player's entourage and with Lyon itself. The transfer price could be around 40 million euros, a figure completely out of Barça's current possibilities. Deco had Cherki's name underlined, but the financial context of the Catalan club limits any offensive.
Lyon rubs their hands
Meanwhile, Olympique de Lyon is already rubbing their hands, Rayan Cherki's contract ends in June 2025 and he hasn't renewed. The player's stance is clear: he wants to make a quality leap and compete in a more demanding context. Lyon will not hinder his departure, as long as a convincing offer arrives, Chelsea has the economic capacity to make a move.
In Barcelona, there is some frustration, for months, Deco has been closely observing Cherki's performance, even evaluating his versatility to play on the wing or inside. He was quite an ideal profile for the club's new roadmap, focused on signing young talents, who can grow under Hansi Flick's direction. But the economic reality has once again set the pace.
Deco decides to push
In that sense, Barça's sports management has already started working on alternatives, with the exit operation as a priority. Deco needs to lighten the wage bill before considering any incorporation. The arrival of Cherki would have required not only a strong investment but also contractual guarantees that, as of today, the Catalan club can't offer.
Chelsea, meanwhile, continues with its ambitious signing policy. With Maresca on the bench and a young squad, the Stamford Bridge team sees Cherki as an ideal piece for their immediate future. A footballer of the present, but also of projection, at only 20 years old, his growth seems unstoppable.
Therefore, everything points to Rayan Cherki playing in the Premier League, Barça has fallen behind in an operation that excited part of the sports management. Deco had him on the list, but the train has already passed. Chelsea has been faster, firmer, and, above all, more solvent. The jewel of Lyon is very close to wearing blue... but not blaugrana.