Despite having a meeting with Liverpool boss Arne Slot, it looks increasingly certain that Rayan Cherki will become a Manchester City player in the summer.
While Slot flew to France to meet Cherki, the Dutchman’s decision to do so is considered standard procedure as the Reds were trying to seal a deal to sign Florian Wirtz in the background.
But Cherki has agreed “personal terms” with Manchester City, who are set to submit an official bid to sign him in the next couple of hours.
But as Rayan Cherki could sign for City, there could be a few winners and losers from the deal.
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Man City’s three winners as Rayan Cherki closes in on move
Erling Haaland
With Kevin De Bruyne set to join Napoli, Erling Haaland has lost his partner-in-crime up top who would routinely set him up with golden opportunities.
De Bruyne struck a telepathic connection with the Norwegian, which led to the pair emerging as Europe’s most dynamic duo during the 2023/2024 season when Pep Guardiola’s men won the treble.
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However, in Cherki, Manchester City are signing one of the best creators in the world, providing 20 assists in all competitions for Lyon last season — which is great news for Erling Haaland.
RAYAN CHERKI STATS LAST SEASON
STARTS 34
GOALS 12
ASSISTS 20
Omar Marmoush
From Omar Marmoush’s perspective, there are not many players in this City side capable of picking out runners, often lacking the vision to play the final pass or holding on to the ball for too long.
Cherki is ready to play for Pep Guardiola, as per his own admission and considering the 21-year-old always seems to be keeping a close eye on his side’s outlets, he would routinely find the Egyptian in space.
With the French U-21 international being virtually two-footed and incredibly skilful, his ingenuity with the ball at his feet in the final third seemingly distracts defenders, which could lead to Marmoush having a field day next season.
Tijjani Reijnders
With Reijnders set to join Manchester City, he should be delighted that another potentially world-class midfielder like Cherki is following suit.
One of the Dutchman’s defining traits is arriving late in the box and scoring goals, with 15 to his name last season.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS STATS LAST SEASON
STARTS 53
GOALS 15
ASSISTS 5
Cherki has a tendency of utilising ball-rolls as well as tricks and flicks before laying passes into his teammates in and around the box, which would be perfect for a player like Tijjani Reijnders.
Man City’s two losers from Cherki move
Phil Foden
While Pep Guardiola expects Foden to bounce back next season, the Englishman’s chances of starting regularly next season could be in doubt due to the youngster’s impending arrival.
There could be a possibility that the pair play alongside each other.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
But if Foden’s form declines like it did last season, Pep Guardiola would have the option of simply tasking Cherki to replace him and if he thrives, Phil Foden might have to become accustomed to becoming a mere squad player.
Savinho
Only time will tell where Guardiola could deploy Cherki in his Manchester City side during the following campaign.
But if the Catalan fancies playing the Lyon technician on the right flank, a position where he has played before, Savinho might also be given infrequent minutes next season.
At the FIFA Club World Cup, the Brazilian international must show Pep Guardiola why he is ready to reach the next level ahead of the 2025/2026 season.