Liverpool fans have begun to question the club’s decision to prioritize Florian Wirtz over Rayan Cherki after the latter delivered an electrifying performance in his international debut against Spain on Thursday night. France narrowly missed out on the Nations League final following a thrilling 5-4 defeat to the reigning champions in Stuttgart, with Spain now set to meet Portugal in Monday’s final.
Despite the loss, France’s valiant effort was undeniable. Down 5-1 with just over 10 minutes remaining, it was Cherki’s arrival on the pitch that ignited a remarkable late surge. The Lyon playmaker—reportedly on the verge of a £30 million move to Manchester City—scored a spectacular volley and set up another goal, making a compelling case for his rising value.
Meanwhile, new Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been busy in the transfer window, having already secured Jeremie Frimpong to shore up the defense following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit. The club is also closing in on deals for Milos Kerkez and Wirtz, with the latter set to become the most expensive signing in British football history. However, Cherki’s dazzling display has led some fans to question whether City might have landed the more effective attacking midfielder at a much lower cost.
Fan Reactions to Cherki’s Debut Performance
Many Liverpool supporters have begun to doubt the decision to pursue Wirtz instead of Cherki.
Manchester City had been seeking a successor to Kevin De Bruyne this summer—someone capable of controlling a match and changing its momentum single-handedly. While they missed out on Wirtz, Cherki’s breakout performance appears to have convinced many that he may be exactly what City needed.
Previously, Liverpool fans had mocked City for failing to secure Wirtz—thanks in large part to new manager Arne Slot’s persuasive influence—but Cherki’s sensational debut has flipped the narrative. Now, some are wondering if the Reds are preparing to spend almost £100 million more on a player who might not even outperform the one their rivals signed at a bargain.
Rayan Cherki vs. Spain – Match Stats:
Minutes played: 27
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Accurate passes: 18/19 (95%)
Accurate crosses: 2/3 (66%)
Accurate long balls: 3/3 (100%)
Key passes: 3
Big chances created: 2
Ground duels won: 2/4 (50%)
One Liverpool fan posted on X: “I don’t know, but I genuinely think Cherki is a baller. Honestly, this might be unpopular, but get him instead of Wirtz.” Another commented: “It’s true. Cherki is better than Wirtz—and more than £100 million cheaper.”
A third weighed in with a more balanced take: “I think Wirtz is better, but not at the price difference. It’s not worth it.” A fourth fan compared the situation to previous high-profile transfers: “Feels like the Haaland vs Nunez situation all over again. We paid big and got less.” And finally, a fifth summed it up: “Wirtz and Cherki are both top-tier, but Lyon letting Cherki go for just £30 million is madness—gentleman’s agreement or not.”