£18m playmaker walks off the pitch in tears amid Everton and Liverpool transfer battle 

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Everton are set to undergo a major rebuild this summer transfer window.

Several Everton first-teamers are out of contract at the end of the season and are set to leave on free transfers.

David Moyes and his recruitment team already have a long list of targets ready to attack the window, which opens at the start of June.

The Toffees are hopeful of signing Lille’s Angel Gomes, who has now confirmed that he will leave the French club.

There’s another fresh transfer development emerging that moves Everton one step closer to an £18m target on the continent.

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Rayan Cherki gives Everton hope of statement signing

Everton are keen to reinforce at the top end of the pitch this summer, with the lack of goals really holding them back.

That said, the Toffees are keen to do a deal to sign Rayan Cherki, who is considered one of the best playmakers in Europe.

The Lyon star has an £18m release clause in his contract, and on the weekend, it appeared as though he waved goodbye to supporters.

Rayan Cherki walked off the pitch in tears and has just released a compilation of his best moments on Instagram, with the captain ‘Merci’, which translates to thank you.

Liverpool are also interested in Cherki and tried to sign him in the January transfer window, so it won’t be an easy deal to do for Everton.

Cherki stats 2024/25

Cherki has enjoyed a sensational season for Lyon this term, netting 12 goals whilst laying on a whopping 20 assists.

The 2003-born registered 12 goal involvements during the Europa League campaign, which came to a dramatic end against Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

FBref data likens him to some of the best players in the world, including Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Quite clearly, if Everton do manage to land Cherki’s signature, it’d be a real statement of intent from the Friedkin Group.