Rayan Cherki Joins Manchester City From Lyon

‎Manchester City has announced the signing of France international Rayan Cherki from Lyon on a five-year deal.

‎The Premier League club will pay an initial fee of €36 million (approximately $41.1 million) to acquire the 21-year-old midfielder.

‎Cherki impressed in his international debut for France against Spain on Thursday, and he will now be available to join Pep Guardiola’s team for the Club World Cup.

‎City are set to travel to their training camp in Florida this week ahead of their first game against Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18.

‎”This is a dream for me,” Cherki said in a City statement.

‎”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.”

‎Other English and German clubs were interested in Cherki, but the forward was won over by Guardiola in discussions.

‎”Everyone knows how good City are they have been so successful for many years now,” Cherki added.

‎”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.”

‎Cherki, who scored 29 goals in 185 appearances for Lyon, is not expected to be the only new signing at Manchester City before the Club World Cup. The club is also set to add Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

‎An agreement has been reached for a transfer fee of €55 million.

‎Reijnders has been given permission to leave the Netherlands camp to undergo a medical and sign his contract.