The coronavirus and the LFP's decisions could leave the most catastrophic year for Lyon in recent memory. In addition to missing out on Europe, they could lose some of their best players, among them the young and talented Cherki, who is just 16.
According to several French news outlets, in the contracts of Lyon's best players, there is an option of unilaterally ending their contract in the case they don't qualify for Europe. And the LFP's decision leaves them without the Champions League and Europa League.
Despite Jean-Michael Aulas' lawsuit, the chances of Lyon's tantrum succeeding are virtually nil. So the economic damage will be terrible. But so will the sporting damage. According to journalist Chris Williams, Rayan Cherki is one of those who has that option in his contract.
We are speaking about the new great attacker made in France. A boy with spectacular talent and maturity, something he has already made very clear in the Youth League and in some first-team matches.
He is a very young player but has been monitored by the big teams for some time, amongst them Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, Los Blancos have always been in pole position to sign him, as they also have the sympathy of the player.
If this clause is confirmed, the clubs that wanted him are in an unbeatable position to sign a great player for the future at zero the cost.