Luis Enrique's project for Cherki collapses because of Dortmund
In the summer of 2024, Paris Saint-Germain flirted with the purchase of Rayan Cherki, while owner John Textor threatened to push the young French international out if he did not extend his contract at Olympique Lyonnais.
Preliminary agreement and envisaged role
PSG and OL quickly reached an agreement estimated at €15 million, and the contractual discussions progressed at high speed. Cherki even spoke directly with Luis Enrique, who presented him with a playing project placing him as a false number 9, a role occupied by Ousmane Dembélé, Ballon d’Or and double Champions League winner.
The player, attracted by the prospect of joining the capital and reassured by Enrique’s guarantees, sent a long voice message to Nasser Al‑Khelaïfi to express his joy and thank the management.
PSG travel to Man City for a decisive Champions League test
However, a sudden interest from Borussia Dortmund introduced a period of hesitation that derailed the deal, straining relations between Cherki and the Parisian hierarchy and leading to the definitive abandonment of the transfer.
This Wednesday, during the Champions League clash between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, Cherki will meet Luis Enrique and PSG again, offering a new chance to gauge what could have been a completely different story.