Manchester City have officially completed the signing of French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais for an initial fee of £30.45 million, potentially rising to £33.7 million with add-ons. The 21-year-old, who has long been regarded as one of France’s brightest young prospects, has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2030.
In his first official statement as a Manchester City player, Cherki described the move as a “dream come true,” adding:
“Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special. I have worked so hard for this all my life.”
Cherki’s arrival makes him the third new signing in just two days, following left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.
A Prodigy from Lyon’s Talent Factory
Cherki made his professional debut for Lyon at the age of 16 back in 2019. Over the next five years, he amassed 185 appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals and providing 45 assists. A versatile attacker, Cherki can play across the midfield and frontline, offering creativity, dribbling flair, and a high footballing IQ.
Despite Lyon’s inconsistent performances in recent seasons, Cherki stood out as a beacon of talent and potential. His development was carefully nurtured at Lyon’s famed academy, which has produced stars like Karim Benzema, Alexandre Lacazette, and Houssem Aouar.
City director of football Hugo Viana praised Cherki’s pedigree and potential:
“There’s no doubt he’s now in the best place to develop further under Pep’s guidance. We really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction.”
Guardiola’s Tactical Vision and Expectations
Pep Guardiola has long admired Cherki’s skillset and sees him as a key piece in the club’s evolving tactical puzzle. With the ability to operate as a No. 10, winger, or even deeper playmaker, Cherki brings flexibility and flair to a squad already brimming with talent.
Guardiola is expected to use Cherki to strengthen Manchester City’s options in attacking midfield, especially amid growing demands from multiple competitions and the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States. City’s first match in the tournament is set for June 18 against Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia.
According to sources close to the player, Guardiola’s personal conversations played a major role in securing Cherki’s commitment. Other top clubs from England and Germany had shown serious interest, but the prospect of working under Guardiola proved decisive.
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Rayan Cherki Joins Manchester City in Major Summer Transfer from Lyon
Cherki’s move to Manchester City comes just days after he made a memorable debut for the French national team. Coming off the bench in their UEFA Nations League semi-final against Spain, he scored one goal and provided an assist in a thrilling 5-4 defeat after being 5-1 down.
He then started in France’s 2-0 victory over Germany in the third-place play-off. Prior to that, he helped France secure a silver medal in football at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a campaign where his creativity and work rate were widely praised.
At just 21, Cherki’s international profile is rapidly rising, and City’s investment reflects their belief in his potential to become a long-term asset both at club and international level.
What Comes Next for Manchester City and Cherki
Cherki will immediately link up with Manchester City’s pre-season squad in Florida as they prepare for the Club World Cup and the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. His integration into the squad is expected to begin swiftly, with Guardiola keen on assessing his role during pre-season matches.
The club’s summer transfer window is far from over. AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly next in line to join the Premier League champions, with a €55 million fee agreed. As Manchester City continue to refresh and future-proof their squad, Cherki’s signing is viewed as both a strategic investment and a signal of intent.
With a proven track record in France, international recognition, and a glowing endorsement from Guardiola, Rayan Cherki’s journey at Manchester City begins with high expectations and immense promise.
