The numbers behind Rayan Cherki | OneFootball

Manchester City have completed the signing of French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon, adding yet another creative force to their already star-studded squad.

While the move has generated excitement among City fans, a look at the numbers behind Cherki’s rise reveals why this signing could be one of the most intriguing of the summer.

The 21-year-old already boasts five full seasons of senior football and a long list of broken records from his time at Lyon.

A product of the club’s academy, having joined at just seven years old, he made his professional debut in October 2019, coming on as a substitute against Dijon at just 16 years and 63 days old.

Three months later, he became the youngest goalscorer in Lyon's history when he netted in a Coupe de France tie against Bourg-Péronnas, aged 16 years and 140 days.

He also made his Champions League debut at just 16 years and 102 days, becoming the fourth-youngest player in the competition's modern history, behind only Youssoufa Moukoko, Lamine Yamal and Celestine Babayaro.

Although he showed flashes of brilliance in earlier seasons, it was during the 2024/25 campaign that Cherki truly exploded.

He finished the Ligue 1 season as the division’s top assist provider with 11, and also led the Europa League in assists with eight - setting a new single-season record for the competition. In fact, across both the Europa League and its predecessor, the UEFA Cup, only Deco has ever recorded more assists in a single campaign, with nine for Porto during their 2002/03 title-winning run under José Mourinho.

Across all competitions, he registered 20 assists, placing him in elite company: only Mohamed Salah (23) and Yamal (21) recorded more assists across Europe’s top five leagues last season.

His overall creativity was unmatched in France. According to data from the 2024/25 campaign, Cherki created 125 chances in all competitions. Among players in Europe’s top leagues, only Bruno Fernandes (158) and Raphinha (152) created more.

His performances were recognised widely. He was included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season, nominated for the league’s Player of the Year award, and named Europa League Young Player of the Season.

On the international stage, his form earned him a first senior call-up to the France national team for the UEFA Nations League Finals.

In the semi-final against Spain on 5 June, he came off the bench with France trailing 5-1. In just 30 minutes, he scored a spectacular goal from outside the box, assisted another with a precise inswinging cross, and caused constant problems for the Spanish defence with his dribbling and imagination.

Cherki’s move to City marks a significant step up, but it also places him in a system that could be perfect for his development. With his ability to operate between the lines, pick apart defences, and deliver decisive contributions, Cherki fits the mould of a typical Guardiola player. Whether he lines up wide, centrally, or as a drifting playmaker, he brings a blend of unpredictability and end product that could flourish in City’s system.