Manchester City-bound Rayan Cherki stole the show in France’s clash with Spain on Thursday night.
The two heavyweight nations went head-to-head in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, with the Spanish reaching the final with a 5-4 victory.
Les Bleus took a hammering in the contest, with the scoreline only looking respectable thanks to the introduction of Cherki.
Man City fans had an eye on the contest to see if the midfielder would come on as the Premier League club are closing in on signing Cherki, and what they saw left supporters of the Manchester outfit full of excitement as the Lyon star bagged a goal and an assist.
Cherki pretty much confirmed his move to Man City on French television after the contest, and the media in his home nation were full of praise for the 21-year-old after the full-time whistle.
Photo by Kevin Voigt/GettyImages
Photo by Kevin Voigt/GettyImages
Having only spent 27 minutes on the field, Cherki produced a goal and an assist, while creating three big chances, which left French media impressed with the Lyon star.
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Le Parisien wrote: “The other bright spot came with the introduction of Rayan Cherki, who came onto the Stuttgart pitch in the 64th minute and scored fifteen minutes later, providing an assist in injury time. And what a goal! A gem in the doldrums, a golden breakthrough in a tunnel of sadness.
“Specifically, a half-volley with his left foot from the edge of the box on a pass from the French captain. The kind of first international that he and everyone else will remember for a long time, even their whole lives, and which leaves a trace of hope.
“The 21-year-old Lyonnais is a different player in the French team’s attacking lineup, adding to the senior side’s strength.
“His introduction, that of Bradley Barcola, and the Spanish side’s relaxation reinvigorated the French, who eventually came back to within a goal of La Roja. Randal Kolo Muani made extra time a fiery affair with a fourth goal, and the days to come more bearable. The defeat was less brutal.”
Footmercato would comment on Cherki’s performance by saying: “From the bench, Dembouz would, however, appreciate Cherki’s first flash in the tricolour jersey. Served by Mbappé at the edge of the box, the Lyonnais controlled and followed up with a splendid volley, leaving Simon unmoved.
“Carried by their substitutes, the Blues would even give themselves an additional reason to believe in it… Found by Cherki on the right side, Gusto crossed hard in front of the goal and forced Dani Vivian into a mistake
“The Juve striker would finally be rewarded with a perfectly delivered cross from Cherki, who made a spectacular entrance.”
Finally, RCM Sport would react by simply saying: “Replaced by Rayan Cherki in the 64th minute, author of a brilliant half-volley for 5-2 (79th), the cross that brought the own goal to 5-3 (84th) and an assist for Randal Kolo Muani for 5-4 (90th).”
Having watched this cameo, Man City fans will be eager to see their club’s pursuit of the midfielder get over the line, which should happen in the coming days.
Man City and Lyon continue to work on the transfer fee for Rayan Cherki
It was reported this week that Cherki’s transfer fee was the main issue between Man City and Lyon as the two clubs continue to negotiate for the 21-year-old.
Man City have already agreed personal terms with Cherki, and having reported this, Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the transfer, with the Italian journalist stating that negotiations are still ongoing as Lyon seek over £25m (€30m) for the 21-year-old.
🚨🔵 Negotiations between Man City and OL for Rayan Cherki remain underway after agreement done with the player.
Cherki wants the move and the clubs are working on the financial package surely in excess of €30m. pic.twitter.com/fr0tdHiqTa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2025
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It seems that it is only a matter of time before Cherki is confirmed as a Man City player as the Premier League club hope to have the French star as part of their squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Man City begin their campaign on June 18 against Wydad AC, and that contest may be the first time fans of the Manchester club get to see Cherki in a sky blue shirt.