Rayan Cherki to Borussia Dortmund falls through on deadline day

Borussa Dortmund was prepared to pay 22.5-million Euros to secure the services of Lyon midfielder, Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman has been a hot prospect for the Black and Yellows since last summer, but internal disagreements on transfer policies saw the deal stall and fizzle out. However, a renewed interest in the player arose during the January window, with new BVB trainer Niko Kovac favoring a move for the 21-year-old.

Cherki is an attacking-minded midfielder, who can find success on the wing. He’s bagged a trio of goals this season and four assists across 16 appearances in League 1 this season. Cherki would hypothetically slot well into Dortmund’s midfield, especially with the recent departure of Donyell Malen.

Since in France, release clauses are not legal, many players have ‘gentleman’s agreements,’ that act in a similar way albeit in unofficial capacity. In this case, Cherki has been told he could leave for a fee of 22.5-million Euros, but Lyon has reneged on this agreement. 

According to Patrick Berger and Sky Sport Germany, Rayan Cherki was assured in September, that he could leave for the above fee, but according to Lyon and their billionaire owner, John Texter, this transfer was never going to happen. Texter claims that Dortmund’s offer for the player was disrespectful and well below market value, despite having long-standing agreements in place over the price and value of the player. 

A wise person once said: 'actions speak louder than words'. Well, Mr. Tester, you’re words have been quite loud the last 48-hours and we’ve heard little to nothing from Rayan Cherki himself. The fans will make their own judgements on this situation, but I don't think your comments are doing you or Lyon any favors, Mr. Tester.