Rayan Cherki Set to Join Manchester City After Agreeing Personal Terms

Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki has agreed to personal terms with Manchester City. The transfer is expected to be completed soon. The 21-year-old French talent confirmed this after his impressive international debut for France in their dramatic 5-4 Nations League defeat to Spain.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“Yes… it’s getting done. But you already know my answer, everybody knows. But there’s still a game to play. Now we have to enjoy and give everything, but after it will be done,” Cherki stated when asked about his rumored move to the Premier League champions. The midfielder commented after making a stunning international debut for France against Spain. He scored a goal and provided an assist despite coming on with his team trailing 5-1.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Cherki is believed to have a £25 million ($34 million) release clause in his Lyon contract, which runs until 2026. This could represent a bargain for City considering Cherki’s exceptional 2024-25 season, in which he contributed 12 goals and an impressive 20 assists across all competitions. The creative midfielder was labeled the most creative player in French football and also topped the creativity charts in the Europa League in 2024-25.

Despite the agreement on personal terms, there seems to be trouble in paradise as recent reports indicate Lyon rejected City’s opening bid, suggesting that Pep Guardiola’s side may need to improve their offer to secure his signature. City are currently in active talks with Lyon to finalize the transfer.

CHERKI’S SPECTACULAR DEBUT

Cherki made his France debut against Spain on Wednesday night and produced a spectacular performance off the bench. He came on with France trailing 5-1. Although the hosts ultimately ended up losing the game, they could have completed the comeback had Cherki stayed out on the field.

The midfielder first set up Real Madrid’s Jean Fernandez for France’s second goal of the night. He then scored with a sensational curling effort for the hosts’ third goal to cut the deficit down to two goals.

WHAT NEXT?

Cherki, who starred in Lyon’s miserable 2024/25 campaign, has always wanted to leave the club but the player is taking his next step cautiously. While he has agreed personal terms with City, he wants to spend another six months at Lyon and leave the club in the summer with just a year left on his contract.