Rayan Cherki, the talented young French footballer currently plying his trade at Olympique Lyonnais, has officially addressed the mounting speculation surrounding his future by revealing the club he intends to join for the upcoming season. This announcement follows a flurry of transfer rumors, particularly involving Premier League giants Manchester City and Liverpool, both of whom have been closely linked with the 21-year-old in recent weeks. The narrative surrounding Cherki’s next move has dominated sports headlines lately, especially after reports began to surface about Liverpool’s alleged attempt to hijack a previously assumed deal between Cherki and City. Fans and pundits alike have been eagerly awaiting clarity, and now, Cherki himself has delivered a statement that appears to settle the matter.
The drama unfolded in parallel with the UEFA Nations League semi-final clash between France and Spain, a thrilling encounter that ended in a 5-4 victory for Spain at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena. The game was a high-profile occasion, featuring numerous top-tier talents who have been attracting interest from clubs across Europe. Among the players drawing the most attention was Rayan Cherki, whose dynamic style and technical brilliance once again captured the imagination of fans and scouts alike. Although France fell short in the result, Cherki made a significant impact after coming off the bench in the second half, scoring a goal and providing an assist in quick succession. It was yet another reminder of his immense potential and ability to influence games at the highest level.
In the build-up to the semi-final, reports had begun to circulate that Manchester City were preparing to activate Cherki’s £25 million release clause, a relatively modest fee given the player’s age, skill set, and potential for growth. According to those close to the negotiations, City had already agreed personal terms with Cherki, putting them in prime position to complete the signing swiftly. However, what seemed like a done deal was briefly thrown into doubt when rumors emerged that Liverpool manager Arne Slot had personally traveled to meet Cherki and his representatives in a last-ditch effort to convince him to choose Merseyside over Manchester. This development caused a stir in the football world, with many speculating that Cherki might be swayed by the appeal of joining Liverpool’s exciting new project under Slot, who is beginning his first summer transfer window at the helm.
Despite Liverpool’s reported eleventh-hour attempt, Cherki appeared to confirm his destination during a brief but telling interview with French broadcaster Telefoot following the France-Spain match. When asked directly about the rumors linking him with a move to Manchester City, Cherki smiled and responded, “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.” His words, although not an official club announcement, seemed to validate earlier reports and all but confirm that he will be heading to the Etihad Stadium this summer. The confirmation was subsequently echoed by respected football journalist Fabrizio Romano, whose track record with transfer news is widely trusted among fans and insiders.
Cherki’s decision to join Manchester City appears to be driven by a combination of factors, including the club’s continued domestic and European success under Pep Guardiola, their reputation for developing young players, and the opportunity to play alongside some of the best talents in the world. For Cherki, who has spent his entire professional career at Lyon up to this point, the move represents a significant step forward. At just 21 years old, he has already amassed considerable experience, having made 44 appearances across all competitions for Lyon during the 2024/25 season. In that time, he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists, underlining his creative prowess and consistency in the final third.
The young playmaker is known primarily for his role as a right winger, though he is versatile enough to operate across various attacking positions. His technical ability, close control, and flair make him a nightmare for defenders, and it’s no surprise that Guardiola—renowned for his preference for intelligent, technically gifted players—has been keen on bringing him to Manchester. The Spaniard has built one of the most dominant teams in modern football, and Cherki’s arrival could add a new dimension to City’s already potent attacking options. With players like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva potentially rotating alongside him, Cherki would have both strong mentorship and a competitive environment to help him thrive.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s interest in Cherki, while ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrates the club’s intent under their new manager. Arne Slot’s decision to cut his holiday short and meet the player personally highlights how highly he values Cherki’s talent and potential. Liverpool are undergoing a transitional period following the departure of Jürgen Klopp, and the recruitment of young, high-upside players is clearly central to their strategy moving forward. Missing out on Cherki might be a disappointment, but it also signals that the club is willing to fight for marquee targets—a trait that could serve them well in future pursuits.
The public nature of Cherki’s transfer saga has only added to the drama of what promises to be a busy summer window. As always, speculation has been rife, with fans analyzing every quote, photograph, and social media post for clues. But now that Cherki has spoken, the uncertainty appears to be over. While official confirmation from Manchester City is still pending, it’s widely assumed that the formalities are simply a matter of timing, likely to be finalized once France’s international duties are concluded.
Beyond the raw numbers, what makes Cherki’s impending move so compelling is the sense that he is on the cusp of something greater. His development at Lyon has been impressive, but a move to a Premier League powerhouse like Manchester City could elevate his game to new heights. He has already shown that he can perform under pressure and against elite competition, as demonstrated in both domestic and international fixtures. If he can adapt to the Premier League’s physicality and tactical intensity, he could very well become one of the defining players of the next generation.
The backdrop to this move also includes a broader context in French football. Lyon, once a dominant force in Ligue 1, have been increasingly seen as a selling club in recent years, with many of their top talents making moves abroad. Cherki’s departure will be a blow, but not an unexpected one, and it fits the broader pattern of Ligue 1 serving as a developmental league for Europe’s elite. For Lyon, the £25 million fee, while modest in today’s market, provides resources to reinvest, though replacing a player of Cherki’s calibre will undoubtedly be a challenge.
Meanwhile, Manchester City fans will be excited at the prospect of adding yet another promising star to their ranks. Cherki’s signing would align with the club’s long-term vision, which emphasizes both immediate success and sustainable growth through young talent. For Guardiola, who has spoken often about the importance of squad depth and rotation, Cherki offers an ideal profile—youthful, dynamic, and capable of playing multiple roles. As City continue to compete on multiple fronts, having a player like Cherki who can come off the bench and change games—as he did for France against Spain—could be invaluable.
There is also a psychological aspect to this move. Securing a highly coveted talent ahead of a direct rival like Liverpool is a statement of intent. It reinforces City’s position not just as the dominant force in English football, but also as a destination of choice for the game’s brightest young stars. For Liverpool, missing out on Cherki might sting, but it also highlights the need to move quickly and decisively in a market where competition is fierce and margins are slim.
Looking ahead, all eyes will now be on the official unveiling, medical checks, and the inevitable photo of Cherki holding up the Manchester City shirt. Until then, the football world will continue to buzz with discussion about what his arrival means for the Premier League, for Manchester City, and for Rayan Cherki himself. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for the young Frenchman, one filled with promise, pressure, and potentially great rewards. Whether he lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rayan Cherki has made his choice, and the football world is watching closely.
