Manchester City have officially announced the signing of French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais for an initial fee of €36 million (£30.5 million), with potential add-ons that could increase the total to €42 million. The 21-year-old, regarded as one of Europe’s most promising talents, has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2030. The deal was finalized just before the transfer deadline for clubs participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, ensuring Cherki’s eligibility for the tournament in the United States.
Cherki, who made 185 appearances for Lyon, scoring 29 goals and providing 20 assists in the 2024-25 season alone, expressed his excitement about the move. “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 special,” he said. “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.” His versatility, allowing him to play as an attacking midfielder or winger on either flank, adds a dynamic dimension to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The transfer marks Manchester City’s third signing in a busy 48-hour period, following the arrivals of Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri for £36.3 million and Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. The club’s new director of football, Hugo Viana, praised Cherki’s potential, stating, “We’re very happy to have Rayan at City. He’s a player our scouts have followed closely. His creativity, vision, and confidence on the ball mark him out as a top-tier talent. Under Pep’s guidance, we believe Rayan can become a world-class footballer.”
Cherki’s performances last season, including being named in Ligue 1’s Team of the Season and scoring in both legs of Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final against Manchester United, caught the attention of several Premier League clubs. Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Manchester United had shown interest, but Guardiola’s vision for the player proved decisive. Cherki, who scored on his France debut against Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, posted an emotional farewell to Lyon on Instagram, writing, “Thousands of emotions, hundreds of memories, and an indelible imprint on my heart.”
The signing comes as part of City’s strategy to rejuvenate their squad after a trophyless 2024-25 campaign, their first without silverware in eight years. With the Club World Cup looming, where City will face Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus in the group stage, Cherki’s addition is expected to bolster their attacking options.