AC Milan had the chance to sign Rayan Cherki before he became a star for Manchester City, but they walked away from the deal.
As TMW recall, Cherki was the man who scored the goal which unlocked the game for City in their huge title six-pointer against Arsenal, with a solo run that was almost Messi-esque. Erling Haaland would net a second-half winner on a memorable afternoon for the Citizens.
Milan’s regret
Cherki is achieving a lot at a young age, given he will only turn 23 in August. What few people know is that years ago the playmaker was one step away from joining Milan.
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The deal was done: the teenager – then a 15-year-old playing for Lyon’s Under-19 team – was one of the most promising players in France. Despite not being physically fit or exceptionally powerful, he clearly had the technical ability to explode.
Antonio D’Ottavio even organised a trial at Milanello for the player, beating everyone else. What stalled the deal? The agent’s fees: the €2m being demanded by his entourage was considered too much for such a promising teenager like him.
The terms scared off not only Milan, but also Juventus and Roma. It must be said, however, that he would have been available on a free transfer, so the €2m commission was the only cost involved, plus wages of course.
Milan were also linked with a move for Cherki in the last summer transfer window by reports in France. Footmercato claimed that the Rossoneri were monitoring his situation along with Liverpool and Dortmund, but a move to Manchester prevailed.
So Cherki stayed at Olympique Lyonnais, probably a good choice for everyone, considering his career path. One more detail: Adidas, before 2020, had signed him to a ten-year contract worth €30m in total. They knew he was destined for big things.