Manchester City have signed winger, Rayan Cherki from Lyon in a £36.4m transfer.
Cherki enjoyed a breakthrough season at Lyon with 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances at just 21-years-old.
His performances ultimately caught the eye of Liverpool and Newcastle but their Premier League rival, Man City swooped quickly to sign Cherki for an initial £29.5m transfer fee followed by £5.1m in add-ons, with the youngster having signed a five-year contract.
Lyon however have inserted a 15% sell-on clause in the transfer, meaning that they will receive a percentage of any future transfer fee that City sells Cherki for, unless the forward leaves on a free transfer.
“This is a dream for me,” commented Cherki who iterated that he is happy to join a club transitioning into a new era after a difficult season.
“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. 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 began his career at Saint-Priest before he moved to Lyon aged seven and graduated through their academy to make his senior debut in November 2019 in a Champions League clash against Zenit Saint Petersburg as a substitute for Maxwell Cornet.
The winger – who can also play as an attacking midfielder – has since gone on to score 29 goals in 185 appearances for Lyon across six seasons.
Cherki also represents France in international football and received his call-up for this month’s Nations League finals, where he produced one goal and assist on debut in a 5-4 semi-final defeat to Spain.
