Pep Guardiola Rayan Cherki Manchester City
(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 30 May 2025 9:05, UK
Manchester City are attracted by Rayan Cherki’s versatility and low buyout clause as they pursue a summer transfer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about Man City‘s efforts to sign the Lyon playmaker.
Cherki’s future is subject to heavy speculation this summer as Lyon stare down the barrel of financial oblivion, and City are far from the only Premier League club keen on signing him for a cut-price fee.
Football Insider revealed on 28 May that Cherki could have reservations over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium amid interest from Liverpool, Man United, Everton and Newcastle to name a few clubs.
Now, sources have told Football Insider that City see Cherki as a “perfect fit” in Pep Guardiola‘s squad, and the reveal that his Lyon release clause stands at just £20million has put the Blues on high alert.
City are on the hunt for Kevin De Bruyne‘s successor this summer, and Football Insider sources have said they’re big fans of Cherki’s ability to play on either flank as well as in his preferred number 10 role.
Kevin De Bruyne Man City
Kevin De Bruyne’s exit will leave a huge hole to fill in Manchester City’s midfield (Credit: Imago)
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Man City prepare £20m transfer for ‘magical’ Cherki
Football Insider revealed back in January that Newcastle were told to stump up £33m by Lyon after they enquired about a mid-season move for Cherki, but City won’t have to pay such an amount this summer.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that Cherki’s £20m release clause makes his potential transfer an ideal move for City, as Guardiola looks to rebuild his squad with players who will only improve.
“He could be a good option, Cherki… he’s one of the best up and coming young talents in Europe”, he told Football Insider.
“He’s got a low buyout clause of around £20 million… and Manchester City are looking to rebuild their squad.
“Cherki… he can play on either wing – probably better as a number 10 – he’s only going to get better and better.
“It could be the perfect fit for Manchester City – [Cherki’s] got magical feet, a good dribbler… he can see a pass and score a goal.”
Cherki’s form for Lyon has alerted most of Europe’s top clubs (Credit: Imago)
Cherki transfer inevitable with Man City ready to pounce
Lyon’s financial difficulties this season could result in a summer firesale at Groupama Stadium, as winger Malick Fofana exclusively told Football Insider that he’s very aware of interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Cherki is the player seemingly destined for the exit door though, and Football Insider revealed on 24 May that Liverpool and Man United will both go toe-to-toe with City as they eye a cut-price transfer.
The likes of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish could soon follow De Bruyne out of the Etihad Stadium, and as City look to fill those gaps with versatile, improving players, Cherki could indeed be the perfect fit for Guardiola.
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