Borussia Dortmund are still interested in the 21-year-old Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki and have made contact to sign the future star. According to Sky Sports journalist Patrick Berger, the Black and Yellows do not see themselves in pole position for his signature.
Even though there is interest from other parties, Rayan Cherki could still imagine himself playing at the Signal Iduna Park. At the same time, his pricetag would be around 25 and 30 million euros, as his contract with Lyon runs out at the end of the 2025/2026 season.
There have been rumors of an alleged plane heading from Paderborn to Lyon in the past hours, but according to Berger, that has nothing to do with BVB and Cherki.
Despite strong interest from Borussia Dortmund in Cherki, as a transfer was almost materialized in the winter, the number one transfer target for BVB remains Jobe Bellingham. The Black and Yellows are planning on making a bid right after the Championship Playoff Final on Saturday, when Sunderland will attempt a Premier League return against Sheffield United.
With Jobe Bellingham being the priority, I would argue Dortmund would benefit immensely by signing both Bellingham and Cherki in the summer transfer window. Their eventual signatures would immediately rejuvenate the squad and elevate the floor and ceiling of Borussia Dortmund.
As many players have uncertain futures in the midfield, such as Brandt, Reyna, Özcan, and Sabitzer, a reshaping of BVB's midfield becomes pivotal during this transfer period. Upgrading and providing depth in talent to that area will be key for Dortmund's success in the 2025/2026 season, and Sebastian Kehl needs to be fast and incisive if he wishes to rebrand the squad.