Rayan Cherki looks to have announced his move to Manchester City after dazzling for France overnight | OneFootball

One player who seems certain to join Manchester City in the coming days is Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki. Simon Mullock reported for the Mirror yesterday that Manchester City and Lyon are close to reaching an agreement that will see Cherki become a Manchester City player. Rayan Cherki made his international debut for France in their 5-4 UEFA Nations League semi-final defeat to Spain overnight. His cameo off the bench showed what he’d add to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

But speaking after the game, the mercurial playmaker also appeared to announce his imminent move to Manchester City in a post game interview. All told, Cherki’s performance and post game interview were exciting signs for what City could be adding to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Rayan Cherki says his move to Manchester City is getting done.

Speaking with Telefoot after his team’s 5-4 defeat to Spain, Rayan Cherki was asked about his imminent move to Manchester City. He said the move is getting done. When asked about his future, Cherki said: “Yes… it’s getting done. But you already know my answer, everybody knows. But there’s still a game to play. Now we have to enjoy and give everything, but after it will be done.”

Cherki showed exactly what he would add to Pep Guardiola’s squad last night.

Although France fell to a 5-4 defeat to Spain, Rayan Cherki’s performance off the bench was one of the bigger talking points to come out of the match. Cherki replaced Michael Olise in the 63rd minute of last night’s match. From the moment he came on, Cherki set about turning the game for France. France was behind 4-1 when Cherki came on and fell 5-1 down four minutes after he came on. But from there, Cherki made a profound impact on the game, and he almost helped France complete a miraculous comeback.

Cherki scored one goal and provided an assist for another. But what stood out was his ability to split the Spanish defence. As per Sofascore, Cherki completed 18/19 passes after coming off the bench. The highlights above show exactly how he set about making an impact against Spain. He drifted all over the pitch, and his ability to play in the pockets stood out. Cherki played 3 key passes, and his ability to pick out a teammate in the box with a quality cross were all key components of France’s comeback.

Rayan Cherki is a player who can turn a match on its head on his day. He did exactly that last night with his tremendous passing ability, dribbling play, and his pinpoint crossing, which were a treat to observe. Cherki also scored a sublime volley in the 79th minute to give France hope last night. The goal can be seen below, and it’s the perfect encapsulation of Cherki as a player. His technique, control, and finish were on point, and you can see how that goal and his overall performance would fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Summary.

Rayan Cherki appeared to announce his imminent move to Manchester City last night. He also put in a performance for France that demonstrated all of his qualities as a player. It was an exciting night from a Manchester City point of view where Cherki seemingly announced his imminent move to the Etihad, and showed just how big a signing he can be for City when his expected move to the Etihad is officially confirmed.