Newcastle United have maintained a long-standing interest in French U21 talent Rayan Cherki, and with Lyon facing significant financial difficulties, a potential move for the winger in the January transfer window appears increasingly plausible. Lyon’s precarious financial situation has placed them at risk of relegation to Ligue 2 if they cannot stabilize their finances by the end of the season. This predicament has alerted clubs across Europe, who see an opportunity to acquire quality players at a reduced price.
Cherki, often compared to former Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa for his creativity and flair, remains a key target for the Magpies. However, despite their interest, Newcastle reportedly want to conduct a comprehensive evaluation before committing to a bid. This cautious approach stems from their recent experience with Sandro Tonali. After signing Tonali for £55 million, the midfielder was handed a 10-month suspension shortly after joining the club, prompting Newcastle to reassess their recruitment strategy.
Journalist Dean Jones revealed that while Newcastle’s interest in Cherki is genuine, they are yet to delve deeply into his background and personal life. On the Ranks FC Podcast, Jones noted that Newcastle’s recruitment team recognizes the need to ensure that potential signings have the right temperament and personality to adapt to life at the club. The Tonali situation has served as a lesson, with Newcastle now placing a stronger emphasis on due diligence to minimize risks in future transfers.
With the January transfer window approaching, Newcastle will need to expedite their evaluation process. While the club is not expected to make significant moves in the window, addressing the need for a right-winger has become a priority. Cherki possesses the technical skills and abilities to fill this role, but concerns about his temperament could pose a challenge. Alternatives such as Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo are also being considered, though they may come with higher price tags than Cherki.
As Newcastle narrows down their list of targets, they remain determined to strike a balance between talent acquisition and minimizing potential risks, ensuring that future signings align with the club’s broader vision and ambitions.