Rayan Cherki’s decision to leave Lyon this summer is set to ignite a transfer battle across Europe. Available for just €22.5 million, the French talent is expected to attract major interest, with Manchester City reportedly leading the chase.
While Borussia Dortmund were keen on signing Cherki earlier this year, they now face stiff competition from Premier League heavyweights. Lyon’s managerial instability and their failure to finish in Ligue 1’s top five have accelerated Cherki’s departure, especially as the 21-year-old sees himself as a Champions League-calibre player.
Despite Lyon’s exit from the Europa League at the quarter-final stage—losing to eventual runners-up Manchester United—Cherki was the standout performer in the competition. He posted a tournament-high WhoScored rating of 7.87 and topped the charts for goal involvements (12), assists (8), key passes (46), and clear-cut chances created (15).
Manchester City Eyeing a New No.10
Manchester City are reportedly frontrunners for Cherki, with odds of 9/4 for him to join the Cityzens this summer. While primarily a winger, Cherki’s skillset makes him a perfect candidate for the number 10 role, particularly as City look to fill the creative void that Kevin De Bruyne’s gradual decline may leave.
Cherki led Ligue 1 in accurate through balls (13) this season, a remarkable stat considering he started just 22 of 34 league matches. Add in 2.1 dribbles per 90 minutes, and you get a player who thrives in tight spaces—exactly the kind of profile Pep Guardiola needs when facing low-block opposition.
For a team that dominates possession and requires players who can break defensive lines with vision and flair, Cherki fits the mould.
Cherki’s Europa League 2024/25 Stats:
- 🟢 Most assists: 8
- 🟢 Most goal involvements: 12
- 🟢 Most big chances created: 15
- 🟢 Most open-play chances created: 38
- 🟢 Most key passes: 46
- 🟢 Highest average rating: 7.87
Not Just Man City in the Race
Manchester United, despite focusing on other targets like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Liam Delap, are priced at 6/1 to land Cherki. New manager Ruben Amorim is said to admire Cherki’s versatility and sees him fitting seamlessly into a 3-4-2-1 formation as one of the dual attacking midfielders.
Crystal Palace are also in the mix at 10/1 following their FA Cup win, while Tottenham sit at 12/1 to complete a move for the Lyon star.
A Cut-Price Star Ready for Europe’s Elite
Cherki’s availability at a modest €22.5 million makes him one of the most attractive signings of the summer. With his combination of vision, dribbling, and chance creation, he’s exactly the kind of player top clubs build their future around.
As the transfer window approaches, expect a bidding war for one of Europe’s most gifted young playmakers.