Joleon Lescott warns Manchester City fans over ‘very exciting’ new signing | OneFootball

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has warned supporters to be patient when it comes to new signing Rayan Cherki ahead of his debut Premier League season.

Cherki completed a £34 million transfer from Lyon to the Etihad Stadium in June, with City securing the signature of one of Europe’s most talented young attacking midfielders after a breakthrough 2024-25 campaign for the France international in the Ligue 1.

Florian Wirtz was understood to have been Manchester City’s leading target to replace Kevin De Bruyne – who was shown the door at the end of his contract this summer – but the 22-year-old German decided to join Liverpool in what has been a statement signing for the English champions.

However, after pulling out of the race for Wirtz owing to the finances involved in a deal for the now Liverpool man, Manchester City seem to have secured the bargain of the summer, with Cherki making a strong start to life in sky blue.

Cherki impressed in his first set of Manchester City appearances at the FIFA Club World Cup and was the Blues’ architect-in-chief – a role long held by the departed De Bruyne – in a 3-0 pre-season victory over Palermo at the weekend.

City travel to Wolves for the opening game of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign on Saturday evening, with Cherki in line to make his league debut alongside fellow new arrivals Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri

Speaking at the launch the new Topps Premier League 2025/26 trading card collection, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Joleon Lescott glowed with praise for the playing style of Rayan Cherki, but warned supporters to be patient with the France international.

“He’s very exciting, for the Premier League as well. He plays with a lot of flair, a lot of quality. I’m anticipating a good start for him and a good season,” said the former England international defender.

“But again, we can’t get carried away and make judgements too soon, whether it’s good or bad, there needs to be a bedding-in period.”

Looking ahead to the new competitive campaign, Lescott added: “It’s a big change for him (Cherki), coming from the French league, it’s going to be a different demand, physically, mentally, and also a tension.

“I think we only see foreign players in different leagues when they do well. Now we see him in the tough times and scrutiny comes when you’re not doing so well. So it’s how they manage those periods and understand people are going to be watching every game, every moment.”

It will be a monumental task for any incoming signing to replace De Bruyne at Manchester City but Cherki seems to posses all the qualities to be a successful player for Guardiola, who has been given fresh blood to work with after a summer of overhaul led by director of football Hugo Viana.