Manchester City have completed the signing of French international Rayan Cherki from Lyon just in time to include him in their squad for the Club World Cup.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has joined Pep Guardiola’s side in a deal worth €36.5 million (£30.3 million), with a further €6 million in potential add-ons. Cherki is part of a fresh wave of signings as City look to regroup after a disappointing campaign that saw them finish the season without a trophy.
“This move is a dream come true,” Cherki said after sealing the switch. “Joining a club of City’s calibre and having the chance to take the next step in my career here is something truly special. I’ve worked my whole life for this. Everyone knows what a successful side City have been, and I want to help keep that going.”
Cherki arrives alongside Algeria international Rayan Aït-Nouri, who joined from Wolves on Monday. City are also on the verge of signing Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan before the deadline to register players for the Club World Cup on Tuesday.
City’s campaign in the newly expanded tournament begins on 14 June with group stage fixtures against Moroccan champions Wydad AC, Emirati outfit Al Ain, and a high-profile clash with Italian giants Juventus.
The Premier League side have already been busy in the market this year, spending over £172 million in January alone to bring in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez.
Cherki, a product of Lyon’s youth academy, made his senior debut at just 16 and became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history in 2020. He went on to score 29 goals in 185 appearances, including two goals against Manchester United in this season’s epic Europa League quarter-final, which United won 7-6 on aggregate.
The youngster also made his senior debut for France last week in the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Spain, registering both a goal and an assist in a narrow 5-4 defeat.
City’s director of football Hugo Viana praised the move, saying: “Rayan has immense potential and is now at the perfect club to realise it. Under Pep’s guidance, I’m confident he can develop into a truly world-class player.”
