Manchester City have completed the signing of French midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon in a £30.45m deal, marking their third signing in just 48 hours as Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad ahead of the Club World Cup.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has penned a five-year contract until 2030 and will immediately join up with the City squad heading to the United States for the tournament, which kicks off on 14 June. With nearly 200 senior appearances already to his name, Cherki arrives with considerable experience despite his young age.
“This is a dream for me,” said Cherki in his first interview as a City player. “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.”
Born in Lyon and a product of the club’s famed academy, Cherki made his senior debut at just 16 and has since amassed 29 goals and 45 assists in 185 appearances. He leaves as one of the most technically gifted talents to emerge from French football in recent years.
He also made headlines last week during the Nations League semi-final, scoring and assisting after coming off the bench against Spain in a dramatic 5-4 loss. He started the third-place match days later, helping France defeat Germany 2-0.
Cherki’s arrival follows Monday’s £31m signing of Algerian left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves and Tuesday morning’s acquisition of back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea. The 33-year-old Bettinelli replaces Scott Carson and is expected to play a similar mentoring role.
City’s director of football Hugo Viana spoke highly of Cherki’s potential. “There’s no doubt he’s now in the best place possible to develop under Pep’s guidance. We really believe he can become a world-class player with our support.”
Cherki himself seemed focused on development and success: “I have worked so hard for this all my life. I love this sport, and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff. The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace.”
He added, “I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in, and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future.”
Cherki’s move is being seen as a statement of intent from City, with Guardiola keen to refresh a squad that has already won every major honour under his reign. With Kevin De Bruyne approaching the twilight of his career and Bernardo Silva perennially linked with a move away, Cherki offers creativity, flair, and long-term value.
French football journalist Loic Tanzi of L’Équipe offered a cautious but optimistic outlook. “He’s just 21 years old and it’s a big step. He may need time to adapt to a new environment and a demanding coach, but he is a clever player and knows Guardiola has a specific plan for him. I think he will succeed in the end.”
Cherki is expected to feature during the Club World Cup as City bid to win the trophy for the first time in the club’s history. His debut could come as early as 15 June, depending on fitness and integration into the squad.
With the summer transfer window only just beginning, Cherki’s move is already one of the more eye-catching stories—and Manchester City may not be done yet.
