‘One of Europe’s Best Technicians’ – Why Man City Want ‘Genius’ Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki may have just announced himself to the casual football world — but for Manchester City and top European scouts, the Lyon prodigy has long been one of the most coveted talents in the game.
The 21-year-old’s stunning volley on his senior debut for France in their 5-4 Nations League semi-final loss to Spain went viral, underlining what many already believed: Cherki is a generational technician.
A Rising Star from Lyon’s Golden Academy
Cherki, who joined Lyon aged 7, became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer at just 16 years and 140 days in a French Cup match in 2020. A Champions League debut followed that same year.
Now entering the final 12 months of his contract, Manchester City are pressing to sign him — although Lyon have rejected a €30m (£25.3m) offer and are reportedly holding out for more.
Linked in the past with Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea, Cherki has openly admitted:
“My dream is to play for Real Madrid.”
But it’s Pep Guardiola who may win the race.
A Left Foot, A Right Foot – Total Football Wizardry
In Ligue 1 2024-25, Cherki notched:
- 11 assists
- 22 big chances created (league-high)
- 13 through-balls
- 48 successful dribbles
- 12 goals in all competitions
What’s even more remarkable? Of his 44 shots in Ligue 1, 22 were with his left foot and 22 with his right — underlining his ambipedal genius.
“He’s the best natural talent I’ve ever seen,” said Lyon team-mate Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
“He’s a wizard. A genius.”
Even Thierry Henry chimed in:
“I’ve never seen a player dribble as quickly as him.”
A Perfect Guardiola Fit?
With Kevin De Bruyne departing and Jeremy Doku & Savinho struggling for consistency, Guardiola sees Cherki as a key part of his squad revamp.
While Tijjani Reijnders adds depth across midfield and Rayan Ait-Nouri bolsters the left flank, Cherki could fill the creative void behind Erling Haaland — or take on a flexible wide playmaker role.
Cherki’s intelligent off-ball movement and ability to unlock defences in tight spaces make him an ideal candidate for City’s possession-based system.
From Debut to Blockbuster Move?
Cherki made headlines on Thursday with his audacious goal against Spain — and on Sunday, he made his full France debut in a 2-0 win over Germany.
With just days remaining before pre-season begins, Cherki could be pulling on a City shirt by the end of the week.
“It’s getting done,” he told French reporters.
“But you already know my answer. Everybody knows.”
