Manchester City have signed French forward Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
The 21-year-old arrives after an outstanding 2024/25 season in Ligue 1, in which he topped the assists chart by setting up 11 goals and received the competition's inaugural "Best Dribbler" award.
Cherki also excelled in the UEFA Europa League, producing more assists than any other player with eight.
Career so far
Cherki has departed his boyhood club, having joined Lyon’s academy at the age of seven.
During his time in the academy, he broke numerous age-group records and developed into one of the most promising attacking talents in French football.
In September 2018, at just 15 years old, he became the youngest player to score in the UEFA Youth League, netting against his future club Man City in a 4-1 victory.
A year later, he made his professional debut in Ligue 1 at the age of 16 and steadily rose to prominence, culminating in a standout 2024/25 campaign.
Cherki’s technical ability, flair and versatility make him a valuable addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Able to play with both feet, and tactically flexible, he can play across the front line, on either wing, as an attacking midfielder, or as a "false nine".
Cherki, who was born in Lyon on 17 August 2003, was eligible to play internationally for Algeria, Italy or France.
He opted to play for France and featured for Les Bleus at every youth level before making his senior debut this month, in the thrilling 5-4 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-final.
Cherki scored his national team's second goal, a stunning volley, and then assisted the fourth with a cross for Randal Kolo Muani's header in stoppage time.
When could Cherki make his Man City debut?
Man City supporters could get their first glimpse of Cherki on 18 June against Wydad AC in the FIFA Club World Cup.
On the same day, they will also find out who they will play first when the fixtures for the 2025/26 Premier League season are released at 09:00 BST.