Man City agree £33 million fee to sign French hotshot Rayan Cherki as Pep Guardiola closes in on landing youngster dubbed ‘one of the greatest technicians in Europe’

By NATHAN JOHNS

Published: 13:31 BST, 9 June 2025 | Updated: 14:01 BST, 9 June 2025

Manchester City have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Rayan Cherki from French club Lyon. 

The two clubs have agreed a fee worth €40 million (£33.7m) for the 21-year-old. 

According to The Athletic, Cherki has agreed personal terms on a contract until 2030. 

The French youngster is set to undergo a medical on Tuesday and could be available in time for Man City’s Club World Cup campaign.  

Both an attacking midfielder and a winger, Cherki notched 12 goals and 20 assists this season for Lyon. 

Able to play off both feet, he brings a level of adaptability which is believed to appeal to Pep Guardiola.  

Rayan Cherki could play for Man City in the Club World Cup after the transfer move was agreed

Cherki just debuted for France as he appeared alongside Kylian Mbappé in the Nations League

The 21-year-old Cherki winger has been described as ‘one of the best technicians in Europe’

He scored in both legs when the French outfit was knocked out of the Europa League by Man United. 

Born in Lyon, Cherki made his international debut last week during France’s defeat to Spain. 

He scored once and provided an assist on debut. 

Days later, he added a second cap as France beat Germany in the Nations League third place play-off.  

French football journalist Julien Laurens, speaking on the Euro Leagues podcast, described Cherki as “one of the greatest technicians in Europe.’ 

‘He has been incredible this season. Since he was 16 – even before that – the talent is there, left foot or right foot.

‘A player at this level who takes corners with each foot depending on which side of the corner it is, to be an inswinger every time is just incredible.

‘He is one of the greatest technicians in Europe right now.’

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Man City agree £33 million fee to sign French hotshot Rayan Cherki as Pep Guardiola closes in on landing youngster dubbed ‘one of the greatest technicians in Europe’

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