REPORT: Crystal Palace wants to sign ‘future Balon d’Or winner’ after FA Cup glory, He’s set to move
Crystal Palace could look to complete a move for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki in the coming months, according to reports – with the Eagles’ recent FA Cup win likely to give them the drive to sign new players after winning their first-ever major trophy.
Eberechi Eze’s goal at Wembley saw them down Manchester City in the biggest game in their history, complete with a penalty save by Dean Henderson – and with major European football set to arrive in south London for the first time, that could see Oliver Glasner look to bring better talent to Selhurst Park, with Cherki being earmarked.
Report: Crystal Palace ‘Targeting’ Rayan Cherki This Summer
The FA Cup holders may have more money to spend this summer amid European qualification
The report by Fichajes states that Cherki’s future appears to lie away from Lyon, with the midfielder talent confirming in the past two days that he will leave the club – and as a result, he’s being targeted by several Premier League clubs including Palace. The Eagles are interested in landing him on a permanent deal, and the French club’s financial situation could push a deal closer in terms of facilitating his departure.
Cherki has been in magnificent form this season, registering an incredible 20 assists and scoring 12 goals of his own in just 44 games; an outstanding tally that has seen the Groupama Stadium outfit finish sixth in the Ligue 1 table, which would secure Europa League football as long as they aren’t relegated to Ligue 2 over financial difficulties.
With those in mind, they need to seek significant revenues, and losing Cherki could be one of the only ways to do so – with the club ‘willing’ to let their youngster depart for €22million (£18.5million), which is attractive to Palace as they seek young, promising talent to join their cohort of trophy winners.
For Palace, it’s an opportunity to sign a top talent for a rare cut-price fee, and for Cherki, it would give him the chance to compete in one of the most competitive leagues in the world, as well as Europa League football after their FA Cup win.
Cherki scored in both of Lyon’s legs against Manchester United, and so he’s shown that he can mix it against clubs in the Premier League before – as well as registering a goal and two assists against England’s under-21 side in March.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 19-05-25.
