50 players who will define the summer transfer window

Biggest winners & losers of the European season

RANKED: Sane, David & the top 10 available free agents

RANKED: PSG & the treble-winning teams of the UCL era

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: This is Dembele's Golden Ball!

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream live MLS games

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Man Utd are keeping tabs on Cherki</li><li>Liverpool pull back and are instead focused on Wirtz</li><li>Midfielder reportedly has a €22.5 million (£19m/$25m) release clause</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Man Utd join race to land Lyon star Rayan Cherki as Liverpool cool interest and focus on Florian Wirtz

<p>Cherki has enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024–25, delivering the most productive season of his career since making his senior debut five years ago. The versatile attacker featured in 44 matches across all competitions, contributing an eye-catching 12 goals and 20 assists. His performances in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-liverpool-rayan-cherki-puts-europe-on-alert-confirms-he-will-leave-lyon-this-summer/blt78b00c1c6052a3f6#cs9e7d39b7d780bda0" target="_blank">Europe particularly turned heads</a>, scoring both home and away against United in a thrilling quarter-final clash that the Red Devils ultimately won 7-6 on aggregate after extra time. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>According to<a href="https://x.com/Plettigoal/status/1925264244246806956" target="_blank"> <em>Sky Sports Germany, </em></a>United are said to be evaluating a move for the highly rated France Under-23 international and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-liverpool-pole-position-sign-lyon-rayan-cherki-agent-decision-man-city-tottenham-interest/blt91736598a4234c8e" target="_blank">have already established contact with Lyon officials</a>. Their initial discussions reportedly took place during the clubs' meeting in this season’s Europa League quarter-finals. Meanwhile, despite previously being linked with Cherki, Liverpool have reportedly pulled the plug on the transfer. According to sources familiar with the club’s recruitment priorities, the Merseyside outfit have chosen to pursue Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz instead.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>With Cherki's current <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-utd-liverpool-rayan-cherki-puts-europe-on-alert-confirms-he-will-leave-lyon-this-summer/blt78b00c1c6052a3f6" target="_blank">contract set to expire in June 2026</a>, his availability has piqued the interest of numerous clubs. The winger has a reported release clause of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/liverpool-man-city-tottenham-enquiries-lyon-rayan-cherki-french-giants-summer-transfer-window/blt3748c914243e8d79" target="_blank">€22.5 million (£19 million/$25 million),</a> making him a relatively affordable option given his age and output.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>After missing out on Champions League football next season, United must focus on cost-effective solutions as they are walking on thin ice as far as the Financial Fair Play (FFP) threshold is concerned. Cherki’s profile fits well within the club’s broader strategy of investing in emerging stars capable of thriving in both domestic and European competitions. And with Liverpool out of the way, the Red Devils will grow even more confident to land the coveted French star. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Man Utd join race to land Lyon star Rayan Cherki as Liverpool cool interest and focus on Florian Wirtz | Goal.com

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to land Lyon star Rayan Cherki as Liverpool choose to instead focus on Florian Wirtz.