Manchester City have completed the signing of highly rated attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon, with the 21-year-old France international putting pen to paper on a five-year deal that runs until the summer of 2030.
Cherki, who impressed on his senior international debut for France last week with a stunning goal in a 5–4 Nations League semi-final loss to Spain, joins City in time to be part of their FIFA Club World Cup squad. Pep Guardiola’s side will begin their campaign against Wydad AC of Morocco in Philadelphia on June 18.
The creative midfielder arrives at the Etihad Stadium following a standout season with Lyon, where he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. His performances drew attention from top clubs across Europe, but Cherki said City’s long-term vision and commitment to player development were key factors in his decision to join.
“This is a dream for me. 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,” Cherki said. “I have worked so hard for this all my life… 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. I can’t wait to show City fans what I can do.”
Cherki becomes City’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea. All three are eligible to play in the Club World Cup.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, welcomed the new signing, praising Cherki’s flair and potential. “We’re very happy to have Rayan at City. We want to bring top talent to the club, and he falls into that category. He’s a player our scouts have watched for a long time… I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction.”
Cherki is expected to begin training with the first team this week as City prepare for their upcoming global campaign.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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