Manchester City are once again flexing their transfer market muscle, reaching an agreement worth £34 million to sign Lyon’s gifted attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.
The 21-year-old is poised to undergo a medical and finalize personal terms, with the club aiming to complete the move swiftly enough for him to be registered for the FIFA Club World Cup. Cherki’s arrival could add an exciting new dimension to Pep Guardiola’s squad as the treble winners continue assembling one of the most formidable rosters in Europe.
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Busy Transfer Window for City Ahead of Club World Cup
City’s push to secure Cherki is part of a broader recruitment drive ahead of their participation in the Club World Cup. The Lyon-born playmaker is just one of several names on the incoming list, with Rayan Ait Nouri completing a medical ahead of his £36.3 million move from Wolves. Furthermore, AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders is also expected to sign a five-year contract with the English champions once his own medical checks are complete.
Manchester City are hoping to wrap up all three signings before their first match of the Club World Cup against Moroccan outfit Wydad AC. Adding Cherki to Guardiola’s already lavishly talented squad could give them an edge both at the tournament and in the challenges that await in the new season.
International Debut Sparks Frenzy Around Cherki
The move for Cherki has gathered urgency after his sparkling debut for France in the UEFA Nations League. Coming off the bench during a chaotic 5-4 defeat to Spain, Cherki made an immediate impact despite the odds stacked against him. France were trailing 5-1 shortly after he entered the pitch, but the Lyon star almost engineered an astonishing comeback, scoring a sensational goal and providing a stylish assist.
His stunning first appearance for the national team has only amplified the excitement surrounding his potential, with many now convinced that Cherki’s ambitions of reaching the elite level are increasingly realistic.
Lyon’s Gem Eyeing Football’s Biggest Prizes
Cherki’s confidence and ambition have never been in doubt. Former Lyon academy director Jean-Francois Vulliez still vividly remembers a young Cherki speaking about his lofty goals. “It showed his ambition,” Vulliez told Sky Sports, recounting how Cherki, as a boy, boldly declared his aim to win the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.
That ambition has been matched by genuine progress on the field. Cherki first broke into Lyon’s senior team at the tender age of 16, making headlines when he scored twice and assisted two more in a standout performance against Nantes. Remarkably, this milestone came even earlier in his career than similar breakthroughs by Kylian Mbappe.
“He was promoted early because he was physically mature,” Vulliez added. “Also, it was difficult for us to find good opposition to help him to improve his level. He was playing under-17 football at 14. It was too easy for him. We had to find the right level for him to improve.”
The Ultimate Showman: Born to Entertain
Cherki’s flamboyant, expressive style has often defied modern tactical norms. While many talented attackers are streamlined into rigid systems, Cherki has retained that creative freedom that makes him a joy to watch. “Art for art’s sake,” one observer described his playing style, a label fitting for someone who sees football as more than just a competition but as performance art.
“When he was very young, it was incredible,” Vulliez remembered fondly. “Every day, every training session, he would be dribbling past opponents and wanting to score.” The Lyon youth product wasn’t merely taking on one defender — “More like one against two! It was just in his DNA.”
Cherki’s ability to torment defenders extends beyond Ligue 1. In last season’s Europa League, he regularly dismantled opposition defenses, notably tormenting Manchester United at Old Trafford with his outrageous trickery and silky touches. Statistically, he was among the most creative players in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League, providing a combined 20 assists and scoring 12 times across 44 appearances for Lyon.
Ambidextrous Talent Impresses Even Henry
Part of what makes Cherki so unpredictable is his comfort on either foot. Thierry Henry, who coached Cherki at France Under-21 level, once remarked that he had “never seen a player dribble at such speeds with both feet.” It’s not about pure pace — rather, it’s his ability to glide through defenders without ever appearing rushed, the ball glued to his boots.
“We still do not know if his best foot is his right or left,” Vulliez added. While Cherki tends to favor his left foot, his right-footed strikes are equally explosive. Astonishingly, this ambidexterity didn’t require endless practice—it was there naturally. “At seven, eight, nine, it was the same,” Vulliez said. “He could always play with both.”
Pep Guardiola: The Perfect Mentor for a Maverick
Now, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, Cherki could evolve further. Guardiola has proven adept at refining instinctive, expressive talents into fully rounded footballers without stifling their individualism. Phil Foden, for example, developed into one of Europe’s finest under Pep’s guidance.
Cherki, who has often played with the freedom of a street footballer, may find Guardiola’s demanding tactical framework to be the missing piece that transforms him from potential star to established superstar. If the balance is struck right, the Premier League may soon be witnessing one of football’s great entertainers in full flight.
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FAQs
What fee has Manchester City agreed to pay for Rayan Cherki?
City will pay £34 million to secure Cherki’s transfer from Lyon.
When will Cherki’s transfer be finalized?
The club aims to complete the medical and personal terms before registering him for the FIFA Club World Cup.
How did Cherki perform on his international debut?
He scored a sensational goal and provided an assist in France’s thrilling 5-4 Nations League defeat to Spain.
What are Cherki’s key attributes as a player?
Cherki is known for his dribbling ability with both feet, creativity, flair, and eye for spectacular goals and assists.
How does Pep Guardiola fit into Cherki’s development?
Guardiola is expected to provide the tactical structure and mentorship needed to transform Cherki’s expressive style into consistent, elite-level performances.
