Rayan Cherki was the star of the show for France in their UEFA Nations League semi-final with Spain on Thursday night.
The midfielder came off the bench for a 27-minute cameo with his team 5-1 down in the contest, and the 21-year-old’s talent and enthusiasm helped drag the scoreline back to a more respectable 5-4.
This left the media in France heaping praise on Cherki as the Lyon star showed exactly why Didier Deschamps called him up to the French national team and why several clubs were keeping an eye on his situation with the Ligue 1 giants this summer.
Man City are the club closing in on a deal for Cherki as the youngster has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League club, who view the French talent as Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement.
Last season was a tough campaign for Pep Guardiola’s team, and Cherki’s performance against Spain showed that the Manchester club’s move for the Lyon star may be coming 12 months too late.
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Man City should have signed Rayan Cherki last summer
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and after Man City experienced a very underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, a season in which they finished without a trophy, the hierarchy at the Manchester club knew they should have strengthened their squad last summer.
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Last term highlighted the age of several stars in City’s squad, and therefore, bringing back the likes of Ilkay Gundogan was probably not the best idea Guardiola has ever had as the Man City boss is already open to letting the German go this summer.
Last summer, Cherki had a release clause in his contract worth £25m, which is around the same price Lyon are demanding at present, as Man City continue to negotiate a transfer fee with the Ligue 1 club.
Paying that fee and bringing the French star to the Etihad Stadium last summer might have saved City a lot of heartbreak, as the 21-year-old showed on Thursday night against Spain, the impact he can have off the bench and the creativity he can bring to a side that seemed down and out.
Towards the end of last season, there were games in which Man City struggled to create chances, which could have proved costly in their quest for Champions League football.
Matches they should have been winning, such as Southampton and Man United, both of which ended in 0-0 draws, Cherki could have been the difference with his flair, creativity and enthusiasm.
There is also the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. Although Guardiola’s side created chances in the first half, their second-half display was poor, and it was in this period that Cherki starred on Thursday night.
Cherki would very likely have made a big difference to Man City had he been signed last summer, but for fans of the Manchester club, it is better late than never, as the French star is now part of the rebuild at the Etihad Stadium.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Rayan Cherki’s performance for France vs Spain in numbers
Man City fans’ reaction to Cherki’s performance for France against Spain was one of excitement as the 21-year-old stole the show in the latter stages of the contest.
In 27 minutes of action, the Lyon star produced a goal and an assist, created three chances, passed three balls into the final third, had 18 accurate passes, four accurate long balls, two accurate crosses, and won two fouls for his team.
Rayan Cherki vs Spain:
27 Minutes
27 Touches
1 Goal
1 Assist
18 Accurate Passes
95% Pass Accuracy
4 Accurate Long Balls
3 Chances Created
3 Passes Into Final Third
2 Was Fouled
2 Accurate Crosses
2 Ground Duels Won
1 Recovery
1 Shot On Target pic.twitter.com/laleZT1eWl
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 5, 2025
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What Cherki did against Spain was very impressive, and it is easy to see why Man City are keen to bring the midfielder to the Etihad to replace De Bruyne.
The sky is the limit for the 21-year-old, and there is no better coach to bring the best out of him than Guardiola, who will no doubt be excited to work with the French star.