Not every player can handle life at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Talented footballers such as Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Kalvin Phillips and Joao Cancelo have all been cast aside by the Spaniard at Manchester City after falling short of his expectations over the years.
Succeeding at the Etihad Stadium is certainly no easy task under the demanding 54-year-old, whose intense style was laid bare for all to see in the Amazon Prime All or Nothing series.
However, when asked if he thinks he can handle life under Pep Guardiola amidst rumours of a move to Manchester City, Rayan Cherki delivered an incredibly confident answer.
Rayan Cherki says he is “ready” for Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders is set to join Manchester City this week, and the Lyon No.18 is expected to follow.
Cherki has already agreed to join Manchester City, and talks are ongoing with Lyon over a deal which could cost around €40m (£34m) – according to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato.
🚨EXCL: 💙🇫🇷 #PL |
❗️ Rayan Cherki has said YES to Manchester City, no issues on personal terms.
🗣 Pep Guardiola has spoke with Rayan Cherki about the project
✨️ Talks ongoing between the parties but Manchester City are now favorites
💰 Deal could be around €40M
➡️ City… pic.twitter.com/qFpBNkHpZO
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) May 30, 2025
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Now, after L’Equipe directly asked the Frenchman about links to Manchester City, and whether he can adapt to new tactics under Guardiola, the 21-year-old replied: “I am ready for any system.
“I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready. Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer.”
Cherki masterclass 💫#UEL pic.twitter.com/VtQiqrpUEY
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) June 2, 2025
Cherki – who Thierry Henry has coached – certainly seemed to come of age last season, scoring 12 goals and providing 20 assists in 44 appearances, having only scored three and assisted nine in the 2023/24 campaign.
Why Rayan Cherki could become a key cog under Pep Guardiola
Guardiola loves versatility in his players.
The man from Santpedor has previously used the likes of John Stones in central midfield, Bernardo Silva at left-back and Ilkay Gundogan as a striker, as he enjoys being able to surprise opponents with bold tactical moves.
Signing Cherki could therefore open up many possibilities for Guardiola.
The Lyon-born attacker played in six different positions last season, impressively ranging from central midfield to striker.
Position Games Goals Assists
Right Winger 21 4 14
Attacking Midfield 10 4 2
Left Winger 2 0 3
Centre-Forward 1 1 0
Second Striker 1 1 0
Central Midfield 1 0 1
As you can see, Cherki is most productive on the right of the attack, so should this deal materialise as expected, he would most likely compete against Savinho and Phil Foden for a starting role.