Manchester City have completed a true summer bomb: Rayan Cherki, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder from Lyon, will arrive at the Etihad for €35 million ($35 million) plus €5 million ($5 million) in bonuses, signing a five-year deal through 2030. Pep Guardiola's team is strengthening their squad with one of the most promising young talents in Europe.
Rayan Cherki to Guardiola's City
This past season, Cherki has truly shined: 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 matches. His development has positioned him as a key figure for the French national team, and his performance in the UEFA Nations League was outstanding.
The surprise comes from his past. Cherki publicly admitted that his dream was always to play for Real Madrid, a club he has praised in several interviews. In addition, Zinedine Zidane recommended his signing to Florentino Pérez when he was coaching Madrid. In the end, the young Frenchman has chosen the great rival: Manchester City under Guardiola.
After a trophyless season, City are renewing their core with signings of young, versatile profiles. Alongside Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Aït‑Nouri are joining to strengthen the project ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup. Guardiola is betting on creativity and control in attack, and Cherki fits that profile perfectly.
The deal has been closed at around €35 million ($35 million) fixed plus €5 million ($5 million) in add-ons, according to various reports. In addition, there is speculation that Cherki could join City before the Club World Cup.
Zidane recommended him to Florentino
The signing is causing outrage in Spain's capital. Zidane insisted on his talent, but the white club didn't move quickly. Now, Guardiola is getting ahead and taking a player who could've worn the Merengue badge. Rayan Cherki has already spoken with Guardiola and is excited about the destination: "I'm ready for any system," he stated, confident he'll fit into Pep's tactical plans.
After many years of speculation about a possible signing of Rayan Cherki by Real Madrid, that is now completely ruled out. City are going to secure him with a multi-million euro contract, while Cherki now has no intention of moving. The moment has passed, and thus a high-quality midfielder who would've fit perfectly at Santiago Bernabéu slips away. In this case, Zidane was right, something that time has ultimately proven...