Just moments ago, while I was engrossed in playoff hockey and mindlessly scrolling through Twitter, a tweet caught my eye:
Should Lyon really want 40 million euros for the player as L’Equipe reported, then Borussia Dortmund’s third attempt would be over.#BVB
— BVB Newsblog (@bvbnewsblog) May 22, 2025
That tweet stirred something in me—perhaps a mix of frustration and urgency prompting this article. **Why?** If this player genuinely wants to join Borussia Dortmund, the club **must** secure him, especially if it’s a matter of just a few million euros.
Why Rayan Cherki is Worth the Investment
Enter **Rayan Cherki**, the 21-year-old sensation from Olympique Lyon. Arguably the best pure playmaker in Ligue 1, he has demonstrated remarkable skill and finesse. Allow me to break it down: here are the categories where he **led** Ligue 1 this season:
- Total assists
- Assists per 90 minutes
- Total expected assists
- Expected assists per 90 minutes
- Total shot-creating actions
- Shot-creating actions per 90 minutes
- Total passes into the penalty area
- Passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes
- Key passes per 90 minutes
These impressive stats aren’t just flukes; they make a strong argument for his acquisition. To put it another way, he was **first place** in all these critical metrics across the entire **French league**. Here’s how he stacks up in other essential categories:
- Total key passes (2nd)
- Total progressive passes (5th)
- Progressive passes per 90 minutes (5th)
- Total successful take-ons (13th, with a top success rate)
- Successful take-ons per 90 minutes (9th)
- Total progressive carries (10th)
- Progressive carriers per 90 minutes (10th)
Proving His Worth on the European Stage
Think Ligue 1 is a “farmers’ league”? Cherki’s performance in the **Europa League** might change your mind. He **led** in assists, even as Olympique Lyon exited in the Round of 16. Wangling a talent like that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Breaking the Transfer Barriers
Let’s be clear: **it’s not 2013 anymore**. If Borussia Dortmund aspires to compete at higher levels, they must realize that securing quality players means investing significantly. The club’s self-imposed ceiling of €30 million per transfer is both **naive and outdated**. What’s stopping them from spending an extra €10 million on a player like Cherki when they’ve done it for others?
Addressing Fan Concerns
Some BVB supporters have mentioned possible **attitude problems** surrounding Cherki. However, **evidence suggests otherwise**. In a recent article from The Athletic, various former coaches praised his work ethic and character, with one admitting to having misjudged him initially.
The Competition He Faces
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: several top **Premier League** clubs are eyeing Cherki. If Dortmund doesn’t act quickly, they risk being outbid. Should the price escalate to €50 million or even €60 million, a withdrawal makes sense. But if it’s merely a matter of spending €40 million versus €30 million, it’s time to unravel those purse strings.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Opportunity
Borussia Dortmund must recognize that opportunities to sign players of **Cherki’s caliber** do not arise frequently. **Seize the moment**—every moment wasted could mean a long-term regret. Let’s hope they make the right choice and don’t let this golden chance slip through their fingers.
