Manchester City in Advanced Talks to Sign £35M-Rated Rayan Cherki from Lyon
Rayan Cherki Manchester City transfer – Manchester City have officially opened negotiations with Ligue 1 side Lyon to secure a summer transfer for highly-rated French midfielder Rayan Cherki, who is currently valued at £35 million.
Pep Guardiola, who is set to welcome former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders to his coaching staff, has personally approved the move after holding positive talks with the 21-year-old Cherki.
The versatile midfielder had a standout season with Lyon, scoring 12 goals across 44 matches, including a memorable brace against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League. His performances earned him a recent call-up to the France senior national team, with a potential debut looming in Thursday’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain.
Cherki also helped France secure a silver medal in the 2024 Olympic Games, underlining his potential as one of the country’s top rising talents. Though he’s yet to earn a senior cap, he’s widely seen as one of the brightest prospects in European football.
Rayan Cherki Manchester City transfer – Cherki: “Lyon Will Always Be in My Heart”
Rayan Cherki Manchester City transfer When asked about his future in a recent interview, Cherki remained diplomatic but emotional about his time at Lyon:
“I don’t know [what’s next]. I know I’ve given everything for the club. I stayed when many left. Lyon will always be in my heart.”
Despite being open to a move, the midfielder emphasized his commitment to Lyon until the final whistle of his tenure.
City’s Summer Strategy: Reijnders, Cherki, and More
In addition to Rayan Cherki Manchester City transfer, City have submitted a £50 million bid for AC Milan’s attacking midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The goal is to integrate both players before the Club World Cup, which begins June 18 in Philadelphia with a match against Wydad AC.
If both midfielders arrive this summer, speculation suggests the potential deal for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White could be shelved.
Elsewhere, Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri remains on City’s radar as they seek depth at left-back, while veteran playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly nearing a free transfer to Napoli, signaling the beginning of a generational shift in midfield.
Rayan Cherki Manchester City transfer
Related: Manchester City, Olympique Lyon
