‘Thank you’: £19m player now posts goodbye message after Tottenham open talks to sign him

Tottenham Hotspur are pressing ahead with their transfer plans despite lingering uncertainty surrounding their immediate future, both on and off the pitch.

The club faces the possibility of competing in the UEFA Champions League next season or, conversely, missing out on European football entirely. Everything hinges on the outcome of the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao, where Manchester United’s result will determine Spurs’ continental fate.

Adding to the unpredictability, manager Ange Postecoglou’s position reportedly remains under scrutiny regardless of the final’s outcome, creating a backdrop of ambiguity for potential signings.

Amid this turbulence, Tottenham appear determined to push forward with recruitment efforts, signaling their intent with a move for Rayan Cherki.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has now added fuel to the speculation by posting a cryptic farewell message on social media, suggesting his time at Olympique Lyonnais has come to an end.

Cherki, who has been with Lyon since 2010 and developed through their academy, simply posted “merci” – French for “thank you” – on X (formerly Twitter), a gesture widely interpreted as a goodbye to the club and its supporters.

Cherki’s departure seems increasingly inevitable as he approaches the final year of his contract. Reports from France, particularly via Le Parisien, indicate that Tottenham have formally initiated talks to secure his signature.

With Lyon eager to generate revenue and balance their books, the Ligue 1 side are reportedly willing to let Cherki go for around €22.5 million (£19 million). This relatively modest fee for such a talented young player has attracted interest from several clubs, including Premier League champions Liverpool, who are also monitoring the situation closely.

Despite interest from other high-profile suitors, Tottenham are currently believed to be in pole position to land the French U21 international. Their early contact and willingness to negotiate have placed them ahead in the race, and the £19 million price tag represents an enticing value in today’s inflated transfer market.

For Spurs, the move would signal a strong intent to reinforce their squad with youth and creativity, qualities Cherki possesses in abundance.

Cherki has enjoyed an outstanding season with Lyon, demonstrating his potential across multiple competitions. In 44 appearances, he contributed 12 goals and an impressive 20 assists, showcasing both his eye for goal and his ability to unlock defences with vision and flair.

His versatility in attacking midfield roles and comfort operating in tight spaces have made him one of the most exciting prospects in French football. Bringing him to North London would represent a significant coup for Tottenham, especially given the modest financial outlay compared to the potential return.

Of course, Tottenham’s ability to finalise a deal may still hinge on clarifying their European status and managerial situation. For any young talent with ambitions of reaching the highest levels, the allure of Champions League football can be decisive.

A win for Manchester United in the Europa League final could complicate matters by shutting Spurs out of Europe altogether, whereas a United loss would open the Champions League door for Postecoglou’s men.

That outcome would not only strengthen their negotiating hand with Cherki but also help attract other top-tier talents during the window.

What stands out in this unfolding saga is Tottenham’s proactive approach. In a summer expected to feature fierce competition for emerging stars, early groundwork can make all the difference.

By engaging with Cherki’s representatives before rivals fully mobilise, Spurs have set themselves up as the frontrunners. The club appears ready to act swiftly, and if the stars align in terms of European qualification and managerial stability, they could land one of the most technically gifted young players available this summer.

Even in the face of internal and external uncertainties, Tottenham’s pursuit of Rayan Cherki reflects a clear ambition to build a side capable of competing at the highest levels.

It signals a willingness to invest in youth with enormous upside, rather than simply chasing established names. Should Cherki complete his move to North London, he would arrive not only as a symbolic part of the club’s next chapter but as a player ready to make an immediate impact in English football.

With his Lyon career seemingly over, all signs now point toward a fresh challenge—and Tottenham may well be the destination where his star continues to rise.