Liverpool has yet to finalize the highly publicized transfer of Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz, perhaps opening the door for the Reds to make an eleventh-hour pivot to talented Olympic Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.

The ambidextrous Cherki completed 95% of his passes in the cameo, creating three chances (providing one assist) as France nearly completed the comeback, losing 5-4.

Rayan Cherki breaks silence after choosing between Liverpool and Man City transfer	Rayan Cherki chooses between Liverpool and Man City after Arne Slot meeting	Rayan Cherki confirms next club after Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool talks

Cherki contributed 19 goal contributions in Ligue-1 and a further 12 in the Europa League, leading to European vultures circling around his reported €22.5 million ($26 million) release clause.

A Goal of the Tournament contender from France debutant Rayan Cherki #UNLGOTR | @AlipayPlus pic.twitter.com/6fj4dABpGB

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025

Cherki told L'Equipe in an interview that he's ready to leave Lyon.

Liverpool bid a reported €130 million ($149 million) for Wirtz but are keeping tabs on Cherki

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports the Reds are "performing due diligence" and are "preparing for all outcomes."

Cherki would be more than a consolation prize for Slot and company, and the talented French youngster would certainly cost a lot less than Wirtz