Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Lyon’s highly rated attacking midfielder, Rayan Cherki, signaling a significant move in the summer transfer market. The French wonderkid, who has long been considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents, appears to be edging closer to a move to the Etihad Stadium. While the transfer is not yet complete — as negotiations between the two clubs are still ongoing — the agreement on personal terms represents a major step forward in the deal.
Cherki, just 21 years old, has attracted attention from top European clubs for several years. A product of Olympique Lyonnais’ famed youth academy, he broke into the first team as a teenager and quickly showcased his technical brilliance, close control, and creative flair. Often deployed as an attacking midfielder or winger, he is known for his dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defences — attributes that align closely with Pep Guardiola’s tactical philosophy.
The agreement on personal terms suggests that the player is keen on the move and eager to test himself at the highest level. Joining a club like Manchester City, where competition for places is fierce and expectations are sky-high, marks a major milestone in Cherki’s career. It’s also a sign of City’s continued focus on youth recruitment and long-term squad planning. In recent years, they have invested heavily in young talents such as Julián Álvarez, Josko Gvardiol, and Jérémy Doku — and Cherki could be the next in line.
For Lyon, the potential departure of Cherki would be both a sporting and emotional loss. As a homegrown player who came through their system, he represents the success of their development model. However, his form during the 2023–24 season was inconsistent, and while he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, he didn’t always secure a starting spot under manager Pierre Sage. With Lyon undergoing a rebuild, and with Financial Fair Play (FFP) considerations to manage, a sale might make sense from a financial standpoint — especially if a bidding war ensues following the news of City’s interest.
From Manchester City’s perspective, Cherki’s signing would reinforce their attacking depth and potentially offer Guardiola another versatile option in the final third. The departures of Riyad Mahrez last summer and speculation over the futures of players like Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish mean that Guardiola may be planning for further transition. Cherki’s adaptability — he can play centrally or wide — gives City greater tactical flexibility and adds to their options in a demanding season schedule.
While agreement on personal terms is a major hurdle cleared, the deal still hinges on the two clubs agreeing on a transfer fee. Lyon are expected to demand a significant sum, with early reports suggesting a valuation in the region of €30–40 million. City, known for being strategic in the market, may look to negotiate a more favorable deal or include performance-based add-ons. Either way, the player’s desire to join the Premier League champions could help accelerate negotiations.
Cherki’s move to Manchester would also represent a significant challenge for the youngster. At City, he would be surrounded by elite players and coached by one of the greatest tactical minds in the sport. The transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League is often demanding, both in terms of physicality and pace. However, under Guardiola’s guidance and with a strong support system at the club, Cherki could gradually develop into a key contributor — much like Phil Foden, who also rose through the ranks to become a vital part of City’s squad.
Off the pitch, this transfer would be another statement of intent from Manchester City. Despite their recent success, including another Premier League title and deep runs in domestic and European competitions, they continue to refresh and evolve the squad. The blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent ensures that the club remains competitive across all fronts.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s agreement on personal terms with Rayan Cherki brings them one step closer to securing one of Europe’s most promising young playmakers. While the final stages of the transfer still need to be negotiated, this development marks a key moment in what could be a defining move for both the player and the club. For Cherki, it’s a chance to elevate his game on the biggest stage. For City, it’s another piece in the puzzle as they build toward continued dominance at
home and abroad.
