Why PSG have the edge over Liverpool in €103m signing for in-demand Man City star

Analysis

Suraj Radia | Editor

Paris Saint-Germain are ready to overcome Liverpool and offer Rayan Cherki an escape route out of Manchester City if they are handed a significant punishment for their financial violations.

City could see a mass exodus after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches, with a belief that the club could even be relegated from the Premier League as a potential punishment if their appeal fails.

Cherki is among the stars who would be expected to leave in such a case, having starred for City since his €36.5 million switch from Lyon last summer, and TEAMtalk report that PSG ‘would not hesitate’ to move for the forward if he became available.

PSG view Cherki as a player who fits both the club’s attacking profile and its preference for French talent with resale and commercial value, with the player said to be ‘hugely popular’ within the French club’s boardroom.

However, Chelsea have been credited with an interest in Cherki, while Real Madrid and Liverpool are also said to be monitoring his situation, even if the 23-year-old would command a significant fee.

Cherki’s future would solely depend on the outcome of City’s case with the Premier League, with FootballTransfers being told that there would be an unprecedented ‘fire sale’ of the club’s stars if they were relegated.

Rayan Cherki: PSG emerging as standout candidates for wanted Man City star

Cherki has proven to be an exceptional talent since his move to City, having scored four times and provided 12 assists in his debut Premier League season, which led to him being nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.

The two-footed, versatile attacking midfielder has already posted three goals and two assists this season and a return to Ligue 1 with PSG could be among Cherki’s best options if he is to leave City.

According to data analytics firm SciSports, Real Madrid and PSG would provide the best fit for Cherki, although remaining at City would still be the optimal decision if they do remain in the Premier League.

Despite interest from Chelsea, Liverpool are deemed to be Cherki’s best elite option in the Premier League, particularly with the Reds still searching for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.

However, even with City’s charges, a deal for Cherki would likely command a major fee close to his €103.5m Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), giving PSG the advantage after they sold Bradley Barcola to Liverpool this summer for €125m.

Having previously starred in Ligue 1 for Lyon and already proving integral to Zinedine Zidane in the French national team, PSG would perhaps be the most likely destination for Cherki as the Champions League holders continue to build a dynasty in Europe.

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