Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Olympique Lyonnais star Rayan Cherki, as Pep Guardiola looks to refresh his squad following a challenging 2024–25 season. The 21-year-old French talent is viewed as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who recently departed the club, leaving a significant creative void in City’s midfield.
According to reports from *Foot Mercato*, Guardiola has taken a personal interest in bringing Cherki to the Etihad Stadium, even going as far as speaking directly with the player. This personal touch appears to have had a major impact on Cherki’s decision-making process, tipping the scales in City’s favour despite interest from other top European clubs.
Guardiola’s direct involvement in transfer dealings is nothing new and underscores the seriousness with which the club is approaching this summer’s recruitment. Known for his meticulous planning and high standards, the City manager is aiming to ensure that the team remains competitive in the Premier League and in Europe. With an eye on both immediate impact and long-term potential, Cherki fits the profile of the kind of player City want to build around.
Cherki, who has developed a reputation for his flair, technical ability, and versatility, is capable of operating both as a central attacking midfielder and out wide on the right. His creativity, dribbling, and eye for goal make him a valuable attacking asset—traits that City are keen to integrate into their squad as they look to evolve their style and personnel.
While other clubs, including Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, have reportedly shown interest in Cherki, City appear to have surged ahead in the race. Liverpool, for example, are believed to be prioritizing Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, allowing City more freedom to pursue Cherki without significant competition from their domestic rivals.
The move also aligns with Guardiola’s long-term squad planning. With the futures of both Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in flux, City are preparing for a new era, and Cherki could be a central figure in that transition. Although there have been past concerns over the Frenchman’s tactical discipline, many believe that working under Guardiola’s guidance could help Cherki mature—similar to the transformation seen in Phil Foden’s development.
Moreover, Cherki is reportedly available at a relatively modest fee, especially considering his talent and potential. This makes him not only a strategic signing from a footballing perspective but also a smart financial investment. All signs suggest that Manchester City are positioning themselves to secure a high-upside player who could be key to their success in the coming seasons.
