Manchester City on Tuesday announced the signing of French-Algerian midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States, Afrosport reports.
Cherki joins City in a deal worth around €41 million plus add-ons just before the close of the first phase of this summer’s transfer window and has signed a five-year deal until 2030 with the club.
“This is a dream for me,” said Cherki. “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, very special.”
“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 [Guardiola] and his backroom staff.”
The 21-year-old becomes City’s third signing this summer, following the arrivals of Algerian left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.
He would be able to feature for Guardiola’s side at the Club World Cup, which will take place from 14 June to 13 July, with City drawn in Group G.
“Everyone knows how good City are – they have been so successful for many years now,” Cherki continued. “The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace.
“I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future.”
Cherki came through the ranks at Lyon’s youth system before making his senior team debut in October 2019, aged 16. He has played 185 times for the Ligue 1 club, scoring 29 goals and providing 45 assists.
The 2024-25 season was his most prolific campaign yet, scoring 12 goals and providing 20 assists in 44 matches across all competitions, including eight goals and 11 assists in 30 Ligue 1 matches.
He became a full France international on 5 June, scoring and assisting as Les Bleus were beaten 5-4 by Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-final.
City director of football Hugo Viana added: “We’re very happy to have Rayan at City. We want to bring top talent to the club, and he falls into that category.
“He’s a player our scouts have watched for a long time, and we have all been impressed with his skill and creativity. I am convinced our fans will be excited to see him play.”
Cherki could make his City debut on 18 June when they take on Morocco’s Wydad AC in their opening game before tackling Al-Ain on 22 June and Juventus on 26 June in their final group game.
