Rayan Cherki seemed to confirm he will soon be a Manchester City player, and revealed that his transfer from Lyon is “getting done”.
The 21-year-old, who was repeatedly linked with a move to Liverpool last season, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Reds’ rivals, but City and Lyon remain some way off in terms of their valuation of the player.
Cherki is expected to become a City player in time for the Club World Cup, meaning the transfer will need to be concluded before next Tuesday’s deadline. Speaking on Thursday, the Frenchman seemed to confirm that won’t be an issue.
“Yes… it’s getting done,” he told FootMercato after France beat Spain 5-4 in a pulsating Nations League semi-final.
“But you already know my answer, everybody knows. But there's still a game to play. Now we have to enjoy and give everything, but after it will be done.”
Cherki scored a sublime volley in the latter stages of the Nations Leage semi-final, as France tried to stage an unlikely comeback. Despite only being introduced in the 63rd minute, the attacker also provided an assist.
Ibrahima Konate played the 90 minutes, with Spain’s win setting up a final on Sunday against Portugal.
Rayan Cherki scored an excellent strike from distance against Spain.
As for Cherki, a first inclusion in the competitive France squad underlines his qualities and why City has moved quickly to conclude a signing. In 44 appearances last season for Lyon, he scored 12 goals and 20 assists.
While City looks set to be his next destination, a report in The Athletic stated Arne Slot flew to the south of France to meet Cherki last week and discuss a possible transfer to Anfield, but the player has now chosen to join City.
Pep Guardiola is looking to rebuild his squad after a disastrous campaign for the serial title winners. The Blues lost their grip on the Premier League trophy and ended the campaign without silverware.
Pep Guardiola
Guardiola is looking to rebuild after a difficult season. (Image: PA)
City looks set to add Cherki alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders.
Meanwhile, reports have indicated that Jack Grealish could be excluded from the Club World Cup squad, with Guardiola’s side set to play Wydad, Al Ain and Juventus in the group stages. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss the tournament through injury.
How City’s involvement will affect its 2025/26 Premier League campaign remains uncertain. Liverpool should benefit from a full summer break, something the east Manchester side can’t avail of, yet there’s also a possibility that City begins the new campaign decisively, and may not struggle with the rustiness that can set in after a long gap without playing.