Manchester City have completed the signing of 21-year-old attacking midfielder, Rayan Cherki, from Lyon.
Cherki reportedly endorsed a five-year deal expected to keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2030.
A statement on the club’s website said, “Cherki, a product of Lyon’s Academy, is vastly experienced despite his young age having already played 185 times for his boyhood club.
“He has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most creative and exciting young talents to have emerged in the European game.
“Cherki made his senior debut as a 16-year-old in October 2019 and quickly made his mark, becoming Lyon’s youngest ever scorer with a strike in January 2020.”
The further noted that the winger became a regular with the French side in 2022/23, and has since been one of the standout players in Ligue 1.
Following that signing, Cherki will now be available to Pep Guardiola immediately, starting with this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Speaking after signing his contract, Cherki expressed delight to have made the move.
“This is a dream for me,” Cherki said. “Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special.
“I have worked so hard for this all my life. I love this sport, and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff.
“Everyone knows how good City are – they have been so successful for many years now,” adding, “The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace.
“I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future.
“I can’t wait to show City fans what I can do.”
Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “We’re very happy to have Rayan at City. We want to bring top talent to the club, and he falls into that category.
“He’s a player our scouts have watched for a long time, and we have all been impressed with his skill and creativity. I am convinced our fans will be excited to see him play.
“There’s no doubt that he’s now in the best place possible to develop further under Pep’s guidance and I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction.”
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