Real Madrid: Five players who dream of a transfer to the Bernabeu

Lyon FW/AM Rayan Cherki

Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is the next big prospect about to be linked to Real Madrid. He considers Real to be his dream club like so many other youngsters working hard in the youth systems around the world. Cherki is a big name, a very sought-after player who is being kept tabs on by many Scouters for top clubs. He broke out through the UEFA Youth League and has grabbed the attention of everyone in the footballing community.

Born in 2003, Rayan Cherki made his debut in Ligue 1 for Lyon’s first team at the age of 16 years. His first goal for the senior team came in January 2004, in a Coupe de France game against Bourg-Peronnas. With it, he became Lyon’s youngest ever goal scorer for the senior team.

Rayan Cherki is an attacker that is what Lyon refers to him as. His profile may list him as an attacking midfielder but he is capable of filling in any missing piece in the attack. He can operate on the flanks, upfront as a striking option, or even play behind the Centre-Forward as a creative influence or almost as a False-9. However, he is indeed most effective as an attacking midfielder.

That is the exact reason why he makes so much sense for Real Madrid. With two aging veterans in their first-choice midfield line-up, keeping tabs on a possible replacement is a smart move to make. Yes, Real Madrid has a hoard of talent in its own Youth system but, Rayan Cherki is something else and Real Madrid has had a history of robbing in wonderkids for further development and exclusive first-team use.