Cherki has regularly been linked with a Lyon exitCredit: Getty
Textor, who failed with a bidto buy fellow Premier League club Everton, is also the main shareholder of cash-strapped Lyon.
Highly-rated Cherki is among the most valuable players in the squad, with Liverpool said to be keeping tabs on a cut-price move.
The 21-year-old was the subject of strong transfer interest in the summer as he entered the final year of his contract, however, Lyon held firm over the attacker’s price tag.
In November, Textor warned suitors that Cherki will not be available for cheap, saying: “We lost €15million [£12.5m] from his potential sale [to Paris Saint-Germain] last summer, but now his value is way higher.
“He should stay in January, but it’s up to Rayan, as is always the case in football.”
Now, French outlet Foot Mercato have published a WhatsApp exchange said to be from Textor conducted at the start of the summer window.
Alleged messages from Textor to an unnamed rival European club president said: “It’s July 4th, and I’m still listening to this little a**hole who you would like to sign. Are you still interested?
“Dortmund has now spoken to us, for the first time, and I am happy to tell them to go f*** off… I just need to know that you still want the player. Thx.”
A follow-up response saw Textor reply: “Terrific… I think the kid is a good kid. I think his team of people are total a**holes. I will send him a message tonight that Dortmund can f*** off. Thx!”
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Leaked screenshots said to be from Textor went viralCredit: X @footmercato
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Textor has since confirmed he rejected offers for CherkiCredit: X @footmercato
Cherki was also linked with a summer transfer to Lyon’s domestic rivals PSG before a move to Dortmund collapsed.
He ultimately stayed put at Lyon and was reintegrated into the first-team squad – extending his contract until 2026 in September.
Cherki has since scored three goals and laid on a further three assists in 13 Ligue 1 appearances this term.
The club’s homegrown talent has also registered six goal contributions in as many Europa League games under Pierre Sage.
He was also part of France’s squad that scooped an Olympic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games.
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Textor holds a 45 per cent stake in Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
His progression has seen him compared to some of football’s greats, with a former OL president giving him the ultimate compliment.
“Cherki is comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality,” Jean-Michel Aulas told Téléfoot.
However, the playmaker himself recently revealed he has been following the example set by the Argentine’s nemesis.
Cherki said: “I had lots of idols but the one that I think is the best and the example to follow is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United and Liverpool target only has eyes for one club in January
“Regarding his work and his longevity, that is the example that you have to follow.”
Textor meanwhile has a 45 per cent stake in Palace through Eagle Football Group but has beentrying to sell his sharessince February.
He is vastly experienced in the world of football ownership – with Ligue 1 giants Lyon, Brazilian league leaders Botafogo and Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek also under his remit.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was once City manager Pep Guardiola’s assistant and the respect between the two men has previously softened the battle for supremacy between the two sides.
But after finishing second to City in each of the past two seasons, the Gunners were keen to make their mark on the champions.
Kai Havertz barrelled into Rodri within seconds at the Etihad to set the tone for a bad-tempered tussle between the title favourites.
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Arsenal felt harshly treated when Leandro Trossard was sent off at the end of the first half for kicking the ball away, receiving a second yellow card.
But as the visitors dug deep, tensions flared between the benches.
Arsenal’s attempts to waste time drew the ire of City players, coaches and fans.
Erling Haaland responded by throwing the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes’s head in celebration of City’s late equaliser — meaning they have still not been beaten at home since 2022.
Haaland also sparked fiery post-game scenes with his post game remarks to Arteta, telling the coach to “stay humble, eh” before having heated words with Gabriel Jesus who he told to “get the f*** away” from him.
“What you talking about? Get the f*** away from me you f***ing clown,” Haaland said before Arteta eventually difused the situation by pulling his players away.
Haaland won’t face retrospective punishment for throwing the ball into the back of Gabriel’s head, although he is still under fire.
“You know what really boiled me up properly? Haaland’s coward move – throwing the ball at Gabi’s head when he’s not looking, when his back is turned to him,” Arsenal legend Ian Wright wrote on Instagram.
“It’s a coward’s move. Gabi would look you in the eye.
“That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you [Haaland] were bigger than that.”
Erling Haaland sparked fiery post game scenes.Source: FOX SPORTS
MAN CITY’S RODRI ‘OUT FOR SEASON’ AFTER ACL INJURY: REPORTS
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri could miss the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to reports in Spain on Monday.
The 28-year-old limped off during City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday after going down holding his right knee.
ESPN and Spanish sports daily Marca reported that tests on Monday have confirmed an ACL tear.
Rodri’s loss would be a huge blow to City’s hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League title and ambitions of reclaiming the Champions League.
The former Atletico Madrid player has lost just one of his last 84 games for club and country.
He has been touted as a potential Ballon d’Or winner this year after his influential role in City’s latest Premier League title and Spain’s success at Euro 2024.
“Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there,” City boss Pep Guardiola said after the Arsenal match.
“He’s the best holding midfielder in the world, he is a potential Ballon d’Or winner. I would love for him to win (the Ballon d’Or).”
City were already light in cover for Rodri and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the middle of Guardiola’s midfield.
Mateo Kovacic has deputised in the holding midfield role early in the season as Rodri was bedded in slowly after his exertions in winning player of the tournament at Euro 2024.
Just last week Rodri had warned leading players could go on strike over an ever-expanding schedule.
He played over 5,000 minutes in 63 games for City and Spain last season. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer,” he said on the increasing physical and mental demands placed on players.
“Someone has to take care of us because we are the main characters of this, let’s say, sport, or business, whatever you want to call it.
City face Watford in the League Cup on Tuesday, little over 48 hours after the Arsenal match.
Rodri could miss the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.Source: Getty Images
ANGE ‘GETTING NARKIER BY THE GAME’
Ange Postecoglou eased some pressure on his position at Tottenham after Spurs beat Brentford 3-1 following last week’s loss to bitter rivals Arsenal.
Rumblings have been growing around the Australian’s job due to a poor start to the season, which has seen Spurs win just two of their opening five games, while they only snatched a late win over Championship side Coventry in the EFL Cup.
Heading into the weekend, Postecoglou insisted it would take time to leave a successful mark on Tottenham, telling fans to “embrace the struggle”.
Beating Brentford did little to lighten the mood of Postecoglou who cut an irritated figure postmatch as he was forced to take questions about goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario getting away with handling the ball outside the penalty area.
EPL Wrap: Ange’s Spurs bounce back | 02:28
“Okay, look I guess we were lucky to get the result,” a clearly irritated Postecoglou said in a sarcastic tone.
There’s little doubt Postecoglou would’ve preferred the press conference to focus around Tottenham’s improved performance, and the scintillating football the club is capable of under his mentorship.
Instead, he appears to be growing increasingly frustrated, drawing criticism from the Daily Mail’s Matt Barlow.
“If points were handed out for irritability Tottenham would not be wallowing in midtable. Not with Ange Postecoglou setting the tone,” he wrote.
“Getting narkier by the game, in a hurry to take umbrage, seemingly aghast there have not been more gushing reviews about his team’s performances.”
Beating Brentford did little to lighten the mood of Postecoglou who cut an irritated figure postmatch.Source: AFP
MAN UTD STADIUM REGENERATION COULD ADD £7.3BN TO BRITISH ECONOMY
A proposed regeneration of the area around Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium could generate £7.3 billion ($14.3 billion) annually to the British economy, according to an economic feasibility study commissioned by the club.
However, mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said on Monday no public money would go towards the project.
United are considering whether to pursue a £2 billion plan for a brand new 100,000-seater stadium or redevelop the existing 74,000 capacity Old Trafford.
Burnham has backed the ambitions to redevelop the stadium alongside a “mixed use” neighbourhood featuring apartment blocks, shopping centres and new public transport stations.
Global advisory firm Oxford Economics revealed the regeneration project could deliver 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes and an extra 1.8million visitors per year to the area.
“This could be the biggest regeneration scheme I’ve ever seen in this country,” said Burnham.
“We hope it’s the best football stadium in the world, which brings benefits to residents around it.”
The project is being spearheaded by United co-owner, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who bought a minority stake in the club earlier this year.
Although Ratcliffe initially hinted he could pursue government assistance in order to fund a “Wembley of the north”, that appears now to have been ruled out.
Last week United appointed globally renowned architects Foster + Partners to work on the plans.
Fans are being asked for their views on the redevelopment, with former United captain Gary Neville, part of an Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, urging supporters to take part.
A model of a new Old Trafford Stadium is seen on The Old Trafford Regeneration Stand on the first full day of the annual Labour Party conference in Liverpool, north-west England, on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
US-BASED GROUP REACH DEAL TO BUY EVERTON
Everton announced on Monday that the US-based Friedkin Group has reached an agreement to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake in the struggling Premier League club.
The deal is subject to regulatory approval from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority.
The group, led by American billionaire Dan Friedkin, had entered a period of exclusivity to negotiate a possible purchase in June, before Everton announced the following month that no deal would be struck between the parties.
American investment firm 777 Partners were unable to complete a deal earlier this year.
John Textor, who has a 45 per cent share in Crystal Palace, had appeared to be in the frame, but Everton’s statement on Monday confirmed an agreement had been reached with Friedkin.
“Blue Heaven Holdings and the Friedkin Group confirm that they have reached agreement over the terms of the sale of Blue Heaven Holdings’ majority stake in Everton Football Club,” the club said.
A spokesman for The Friedkin Group said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.
“We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.” The club are putting the finishing touches to a new stadium and are preparing to leave Goodison Park, which has been the club’s home since 1892.
Friedkin, who also owns Serie A side Roma, has a net worth of $7.6 billion, according to Forbes.
“The potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma. If anything, the multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma,” Friedkin said in a statement published on the Roma website.
Sean Dyche’s side are second from bottom of the Premier League after four defeats in their opening five matches.
Everton have remained in the English top flight for the last 70 years but have survived a number of battles to avoid relegation in recent seasons.
Last season they were docked a total of eight points for breaching Premier League financial rules.
The Liverpool-based club posted losses of just under £400 million ($534 million) for the four years between 2019 and 2023.
British-Iranian businessman Moshiri first bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton in 2016, before increasing his holding to 94.1 per cent in 2022.
Despite their recent struggles, Everton are one of England’s most historic clubs. Only Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have won more top-flight titles than their total of nine.
But the last of those came in the 1986/1987 season and the club have not won a trophy since 1995.
Jay-Z understands the art of self-promotion and is often seen at US sports eventsCredit: Getty
The Brooklyn-born rap star and business mogul is reportedly being eyed as a key name in the pursuit of Everton, who sit bottom of the Premier League and are already in danger of relegation.
While coach Sean Dyche tries to guide the 0-4 club to its first win of the 2024/25 campaign, American businessman John Textor — who currently owns 45 percent of Premier League team Crystal Palace — could pair up with the Jay-Z, whose net worth has been valued at $2.5 billion and is married to fellow music superstar Beyoncé.
The Sun reported that “Jay-Z could be talked into pumping in some of his … cash to boost Dyche’s squad if Textor seals a deal.”
Jay-Z is often seen at sports events and became the hip-hop world’s first billionaire in 2019.
But with Everton shadowed by points deductions and relegation threats, fans wondered if the author of Reasonable Doubt and The Black Album really wanted to get involved with a club that could fall from the Premier League to the Championship.
“Hasn’t he got enough problems,” one account joked.
“Will be a waste of money,” a second fan posted.
“Definitely needs that extra problem to make it a round 100,” a third playfully posted.
Beyoncé went country and Jay-Z could help his wife expand overseasCredit: Getty
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Sean Dyche and Everton need all the help they can get this seasonCredit: Getty
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Ryan Reynolds was a Hollywood star before he became best known for WrexhamCredit: Getty
Reynolds and McElhenney have revived Wrexham, turning a once-proud club that had fallen into the fifth tier into a streaming TV star filled with football names now recognized around the world.
Ahead of Monday’s game, Wrexham are level with Charlton on 13 points at the top of League One.
Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2021.
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Liquor businesses, fine art, a music catalog, and shares in Block and Uber have helped turn the 54-year-old into a potential financial addition for Everton.
James, The King of the NBA, was ahead of the curve in leaping across the pond to invest in English football.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer invested $6.5 million in Liverpool in 2011 for a two percent ownership stake in the historic club.
In 2021, LeBron converted his stake in Liverpool to a one per cent share in FSG’s global empire, following the Reds’ 2019 Champions League victory and Premier League title a year later.
It’s back to the drawing board for Moshiri in his quests to sell EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri was tied into a period of exclusivity with the troubled 777 until May 31, which restricted them from entering discussions with other interested parties.
But that agreement ended on May 31, with the Merseyside club confirming in a statement they are now assessing ‘all options for the club’s future ownership’.
In the statement, Everton thanked 777 for their ‘considerable financial support’ since entering talks to buy the club in September, having provided the Toffees with several loans totalling around £200million to help manage operating costs.
But there has been growing concern over 777 and their operations and doubts over their ability to provide long-term funding for Everton.
Read more on Premier League
Moshiri gave the Miami-based firm a two-week extension to conclude a deal, but now time has run out.
“Everton Football Club would like to provide the following update to all stakeholders, and particularly its supporters,” an Everton statement reads.
“The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the club expired today.
“The club’s board of directors recognises the considerable level of financial support 777 Partners has provided the club over recent months and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this.
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Josh Wander is the co-founder of 777 Partners, whose takeover of Everton has fallen through amid questions over their running of other football clubs under their watchCredit: AFP
“The club will continue to operate as usual, while it works with Blue Heaven Holdings to assess all options for the club’s future ownership.
“The board of directors would like to thank everyone connected to Everton for their patience over recent months and reiterate its commitment to providing further updates when it is appropriate to do so through the club’s official communication channels.”
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There is hope for the historic club and its supporters, though, with Moshiri confirming last week to Everton’s Fan Advisory Board that he had received unsolicited approaches from interested parties.
American businessman John Textor is one of them with the tech entrepreneur reportedly set to sell his 40 per cent stake in Crystal Palace with a view to buying the Toffees.
Asked if he had held talks about buying Everton, Textor told The Athletic: “Yes. With the existing constituents – different groups, different lenders, different equity holders.
“I’ve asked them, ‘Is there a way to solve all this confusion and address everyone’s problems’?
“I’m very open-minded to it but I don’t want to come into a situation where I’m not really welcome.
“I’m watching it but 777 still has a contract. There are people that are close to the club who care a lot about it who are also investing.
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Textor is president of Ligue 1 side Lyon and also owns clubs in Brazil and BelgiumCredit: AFP
“There’s the guy running it who’s still calling the shots. Maybe we’re uniquely positioned to solve a lot of problems for people but we’re just watching it right now because there are other people who already own pieces of that club who also want to figure it out.
“I’m looking at that but it’s quite confusing and some things have to clean up.”
Textor bought into Palace for £90million in 2021 and his multi-club network Eagle Football also includes French side Lyon, Botafogo in Brazil and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.
However, the American said his situation at Palace, where he is unable to secure a majority shareholding, meant it was no longer compatible with their longer-term goals
He has therefore instructed Raine Group – who worked with Manchester United to bring in minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – to find a buyer for his stake.
Textor told the Financial Times: “Crystal Palace is an independent club. An integrated sporting model, such as ours at Eagle, is simply not a perfect fit.”
Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor lost his cool and then some after seeing his Brazilian club Botagogo fall to defeat.
Textor owns Lyon, Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek and Botafogo alongside the Eagles and was watching Botafogo against Palmeiras.
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Textor carried out an animated interview post-match in Brazil
Despite being 3-0 up, Botafogo ended up losing the match to Palmeiras 4-3, but are still top of the Brazilian Serie A with eight games to go.
The winner from Palmeiras came in the ninth minute of stoppage time, with the pendulum of the game appearing to swing when Botafogo’s Adryelson was sent off on 76 minutes when the home side were 3-1 up.
And Textor – who owns 40 per cent of Palace – flipped live on television.
Speaking on Brazilian TV, he said: “The whole world saw that is not a red card, he got the ball first.
“I’m not sure if it is even a foul. He [Botafogo’s Adryelson] got a red card, it changed the game. This is corruption, this is a theft.
“Please fine me Ednaldo (Rodrigues – Brazilian Football Confederation president), but you need to resign tomorrow morning. That’s what needs to happen.
“This championship is a joke. Nobody deserves this, Palmeiras don’t want to win this way, we don’t want to lose this way.”
He added: “Gentleman, you played a good game. It’s not your fault but this is f****** corruption.
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The owner was absolutely livid as he spoke to the press post-match
“This has to change. Ednaldo you have to resign for the good of the game. It has to be over now.
“This is theft. Fine me, you can red card me, it’s my stadium, I’ll still be here.”
Textor owns 40 per cent of Crystal Palace having bought the shares in the summer of 2021.
A rant like this on Sky Sports on the Selhurst Park turf would send shockwaves across the Premier League.
