Rayan Cherki signs for Manchester City Ahead of Club World Cup
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Rayan Cherki signs for Manchester City in a dramatic deadline-day transfer that sees the Premier League champions secure one of Europe’s most promising midfielders. The €37 million move from Lyon includes performance-based add-ons and comes as part of Pep Guardiola’s rapid squad overhaul. The French international has signed a five-year contract and is expected to make an immediate impact in City’s Club World Cup campaign.
- Rayan Cherki completes €37m move to Manchester City from Lyon
- Pep Guardiola adds third player in 48 hours as midfield reshuffle continues
- Young French talent joins ahead of Club World Cup debut
- City spending nears £300m after latest moves in transfer window
The 21-year-old joins a retooled City midfield that has already seen major changes following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. Cherki becomes City’s third acquisition in just two days, following Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli, as the club aims to reinforce depth and versatility across the squad. With Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus on the horizon in Group G, all eyes will be on how the newcomers perform on the global stage.
Cherki arrives with a glowing résumé. He notched 12 goals and 20 assists last season and was named the Europa League’s Young Player of the Year after leading the competition with eight assists. His creative output and ability to dictate play make him a compelling addition to Guardiola’s midfield—particularly as the team looks to sustain dominance across multiple competitions.
Manchester City’s business may not be over yet. The club has reportedly agreed to a €55m fee with AC Milan for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. Should that deal go through, City’s total transfer spend in 2025 will inch closer to the £300 million mark, underlining their intent to remain at the summit of European football. Cherki, meanwhile, is expected to slot into a rotation that values technical skill and tactical discipline—two areas where he has already proven his worth.
The move also underscores City’s trust in youth and long-term planning. At just 21, Cherki brings both future potential and immediate impact. With fans eager to see him in action, Guardiola will likely give the new signing early opportunities to settle into his system. For more on how this could affect future match outcomes, check our latest Premier League Predictions. Expect Cherki’s role to be a key narrative in City’s evolving midfield—and a factor in your next Premier League Predictions pick.
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