Manchester City have wrapped up the signing of Rayan Cherki from Lyon, bringing in the highly-rated attacking midfielder ahead of the opening deadline for summer transfers.
The Premier League champions will pay an initial £30.45million for the 21-year-old, who has penned a five-year contract running until 2030.
He will be eligible to feature for City at the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14.
Cherki departs Lyon after amassing close to 200 senior appearances, tallying 29 goals and 45 assists. He also has two caps for the French national team, scoring once.
“This is a dream for me,” Cherki said upon completing the move. “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.”
His arrival marks City’s third addition in the space of two days. On Monday, the club confirmed the £31m signing of left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves, while earlier on Tuesday, veteran goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli joined from Chelsea.
We’re delighted to announce the signing of Rayan Cherki ✍️🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 10, 2025
Cherki broke into Lyon’s senior side at just 16 years old in October 2019 and has since developed into one of Ligue 1’s standout creative talents.
“I have worked so hard for this all my life,” he added. “I love this sport, and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff.
“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.”
Cherki recently made his senior debut for France during their Nations League semi-final clash with Spain.
Coming off the bench, he grabbed a goal and an assist in a 5-4 defeat after trailing 5-1. He then started in the third-place match, where France beat Germany 2-0.
