Rayan Cherki has opened a bold new chapter in his career, joining Manchester City with clear intentions: to win trophies, take revenge on Manchester United, and thrive under Pep Guardiola’s attacking philosophy. The 21-year-old French midfielder completed a £30.45 million move from Lyon after a breakout Ligue 1 season, and he wasted no time expressing his fierce ambition.
The pain of Lyon’s dramatic Europa League quarter-final exit to Manchester United remains fresh for Cherki. Lyon had held a 4-2 advantage, but a late collapse saw them lose 7-6 on aggregate, ending their European hopes in crushing fashion. Cherki scored in both legs and celebrated provocatively at Old Trafford, a moment that quickly went viral. Reflecting on the experience, he made it clear he hasn’t forgotten: “Now I am waiting for the game to kill them.”
That fire and defiance now fuel his mission in Manchester, where he aims to bring flair and hunger to a squad in transition. With Kevin De Bruyne departing for Napoli, Cherki has been earmarked as a possible successor in the creative midfield role. While he downplayed comparisons, he acknowledged the responsibility: “I’m not Kevin De Bruyne, he is the legend. I’m here to help the team and write my own story.”
Cherki’s move to City is about more than revenge it’s about legacy. Inspired by Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win in 2024, he sees Manchester as the perfect stage to chase football’s highest honors. “When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d’Or here – it’s clear that with Manchester City it’s possible and I am here for this.”
He praised Guardiola’s vision and the freedom promised to him in attack. “Pep told me, ‘when you have the ball, you are free,’ which is very good for me because it’s my first quality to help the team.”
His arrival further deepens the club’s North African presence, with fellow Algerian Rayan Ait-Nouri also joining from Wolves, and Egyptian Omar Marmoush having arrived earlier. The trio have quickly bonded in pre-season, already forming a visible connection in training sessions.
Cherki’s signing aligns with Manchester City’s growing influence in the MENA region, where the club’s popularity is booming. Merchandise sales and global reach have surged, with North African stars driving fan engagement and shirt sales across borders.
Manchester City begin their FIFA Club World Cup journey against Wydad AC in Philadelphia, and Cherki’s mission is crystal clear. With revenge in his heart and trophies on his mind, he’s ready to make his mark.
