OGC Nice would do anything to attract Ryan Cherki. Lacking playing time in Lyon, the Franco-Algerian prodigy might consider leaving.
A professional at 15, the youngest goal scorer in the history of the Youth League, netting a brace with OL against Nantes in the Coupe de France at 16, the second youngest player to start in the Champions League, the youngest player to reach six goals wearing the OL jersey, and the first player born in 2003 or later to play a Ligue 1 match. Technically gifted, fast, and quick, the Lyon native has yet to secure a starting position at his hometown club. Rather disappointing since the 2021-2022 season, he suffered a fifth metatarsal fracture and will be sidelined until the end of the season.
Even after a few starts due to absentees at the African Cup of Nations, the Rhône player doesn’t truly fit into Peter Bosz’s plans. The Lyon striker is contemplating a departure. An exit that Jean-Michel Aulas is not yet ready to offer him.
Indeed, the Lyon president is negotiating with the player’s entourage and has prioritized his contract over Aouar’s and Caqueret’s.
An opportunity for the Eagles
A transaction reminiscent of past events. In a similar situation to Cherki, Amine Gouiri left OL in 2020. Since then, the French forward has consistently impressed. With the purchase of the Nice club, a new coach, and a new project, the young Cherki could find a good alternative to kickstart his career. As a reminder, transactions between Lyon and Nice are frequent. Sometimes successful, as with Amine Gouiri or former players like Loïc Rémy, and other times the players struggle to adapt. Notably, Myziane Maolida, who moved to Hertha Berlin, or even Jeff Reine-Adélaïde, who got injured a few weeks after arriving. What is certain is the interest Nice has in the young Lyon talent who is out of contract in 2023. The Nice club has been seriously considering acquiring the Franco-Algerian since this winter.
