Tottenham are stuck in 17th in the Premier League, so even if they win a historic Europa League title over Manchester United on Wednesday night, there will always be a sour taste in the mouths of Spurs fans after the 2024/25 season officially ends. It has been a historically putrid season in the Premier League from Tottenham Hotspur, signifying a clear need for the club to make sweeping changes to its personnel.
While that will likely begin with Ange Postecoglou's exit, it is even more important for Tottenham to improve their personnel on the pitch. They have a number of potential difference-makers within their ranks of young talent, but they don't have enough current star power. Ideally, Tottenham will sign players this summer who can both make a difference now and in the future.
One of those potential dream targets is Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who is just 21 years old but already one of the best players in French football. Cherki has been earmarked for greatness for years, and with a 22.5 million euro release clause this summer, he could be one of the biggest transfer bargains in the summer 2025 market.
Tottenham can sign one of Europe's most skilled talents
Now, Cherki is officially hitting the open waters. According to Fabrizio Romano, Cherki announced to reporters after Lyon's 2-0 win over Angers in Ligue 1 that he intends to leave Lyon, the club that nurtured him, this summer for a bigger opportunity, thanking all those at the club for their influence on his career.
Tottenham need to get involved, fast. Cherki is going to be courted by virtually every club in England, including teams with a lot more current success like Arsenal and Liverpool. But if Tottenham can offer him the right financial package, importance in the squad, sufficient minutes, an ideal tactical fit, and the chance to be a future commercial face of the club, they can go toe-to-toe with virtually anyone with the right approach.
And Spurs do need to pull out all the stops. The sweet left-footed French international has bagged 8 goals and 11 assists in the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season with 2.5 key passes and 1.6 dribbles completed per game, making him one of the most skilled and creative playmakers in European football, especially from a wide position.
Left-footed right wingers are a rare find, and while Tottenham have a good one in Dejan Kulusevski, they need great forwards if they want to truly make the top five every year in the Premier League these days. Cherki is the kind of talent in terms of skill, athleticism, and ingenuity that doesn't often become available for just 22.5 million euros. He's available, and Tottenham need to do their best to fight for his signature this summer.