Manchester City have reached a full agreement to sign Lyon’s attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki in a deal worth up to €41 million, with medical and contract signing set to be completed imminently.
Guardiola adds another talent to his rebuild
Manchester City are closing in on their next major acquisition, with Rayan Cherki’s move from Olympique Lyon now fully agreed, according to Fabrizio Romano. The highly rated 21-year-old is expected to join City’s Club World Cup squad, with the deal on course to be finalised within 24 hours.
The move follows City’s shift in focus after Florian Wirtz opted to stay with Bayer Leverkusen. In response, Pep Guardiola’s team identified Cherki as a dynamic alternative — and made swift progress in negotiations with Lyon.
Breakout year fuels interest
Cherki enjoyed a prolific season at Lyon, contributing to 32 goals in 44 appearances. Once seen as a raw talent struggling for consistency, the Frenchman has turned a corner in 2024, showcasing flair, vision, and composure in the final third.
While a departure from Lyon was expected last summer, Cherki extended his deal through to 2026 — a move that helped the club increase his value ahead of the current window. Despite interest from several top clubs, the player had one clear priority: working under Guardiola.
Deal structure and immediate plans
Manchester City will pay €35 million up front, with €6 million in add-ons, bringing the total value of the deal to €41 million. The player is set to sign a five-year contract, with medical tests and official signing scheduled within the next 24 hours.
City accelerated the process to ensure Cherki would be registered in time for the Club World Cup, where he is expected to feature in the squad.
Final thought
With Cherki’s technical profile and attacking versatility, City believe they’ve secured another future star — one who could develop quickly in Guardiola’s possession-based system. While his arrival doesn’t rule out future interest in Wirtz, it’s a clear signal that City’s next chapter is already being written.
