A New Creative Force at the Etihad
Manchester City have officially reached an agreement with Olympique Lyon to sign Rayan Cherki in a deal worth €35 million, including add-ons. The French attacking midfielder will sign a five-year contract, with medical tests scheduled today to finalize the transfer. Cherki is expected to be part of City’s squad for the Club World Cup, marking the beginning of his journey under Pep Guardiola.
Cherki’s Rise at Olympique Lyon
Cherki has been one of the most exciting young talents in French football, emerging from Lyon’s academy as a technically gifted playmaker. His ability to dribble past defenders, create chances, and score goals has made him a standout performer in Ligue 1.
Here’s a look at his 2024/25 season stats at Lyon:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Ligue 1 | 30 | 8 | 11 |
| Europa League | 12 | 4 | 8 |
| Coupe de France | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 44 | 12 | 20 |
Across his five seasons at Lyon, Cherki made 146 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 27 assists. His performances helped Lyon remain competitive in domestic and European competitions.
Cherki’s Impact on Manchester City
City have been searching for a creative midfielder to complement their attacking setup, and Cherki’s arrival provides Guardiola with a versatile playmaker who can operate as a central attacking midfielder or winger.
His strengths include:
- Dribbling Ability: Cherki excels at beating defenders with skill and close control.
- Vision and Passing: His ability to unlock defenses with precise passes will enhance City’s attacking fluidity.
- Goal Contribution: With 12 goals and 20 assists last season, he offers a direct attacking threat.
- Big-Game Mentality: His performances in European competitions show he thrives under pressure.
Cherki’s France Debut: A Statement Performance
Cherki made his senior debut for France in a thrilling 5-4 loss to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semifinal. Despite the defeat, he showcased his talent by scoring a goal and assisting Randal Kolo Muani, nearly leading France to a dramatic comeback.
His ability to perform on the international stage further highlights his potential to succeed at Manchester City.
Final Thoughts
Cherki’s move to Manchester City is a strategic signing, reinforcing Guardiola’s squad with a technically gifted and tactically intelligent playmaker. His ability to balance creativity with attacking contributions makes him an ideal fit for City’s system.
As City prepares for the Club World Cup, Cherki could make his debut as early as June 18, when City face Wydad AC. Fans will be eager to see how he integrates into Guardiola’s system and whether he can replicate his Lyon success at the highest level.
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