Transfer fee, contract length, first reactions, shirt number: Manchester City sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon | OneFootball

Manchester City have announced their latest big-money acquisition of the summer transfer window as Rayan Cherki completes his switch from Lyon.

The France international joins the club on a long-term contract and becomes the fourth first-team signing of the market, following in the footsteps of left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, and central midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

Cherki’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium comes after Manchester City brace themselves to bid an official farewell to long-standing creative midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to join Napoli on a free transfer after 10 seasons in sky blue and white.

Hugo Viana and Txiki Begiristain had originally looked towards Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as a potential successor to De Bruyne, but ultimately withdrew interest after becoming aware of a potential €300 million total outlay on the German playmaker.

As such, attentions were turned to the hugely impressive Rayan Cherki, who shone for the French international side in his first two appearances for the senior set-up, scoring a sensational half-volley and offering a pin-point assist against Spain.

Now, as Rayan Cherki finally completes his highly-anticipated move to Manchester City during the first-half of the 2025 summer transfer window, here is everything you need to know about the deal!

What are the terms of Rayan Cherki’s move to Manchester City from Lyon?

Rayan Cherki has arrived from Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais in an initial €36 million transfer with a potential for €6 million in add-ons.

The 21-year-old has penned a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030.

What has Rayan Cherki said upon joining Manchester City?

“This is a dream for me. 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. I can’t wait to show City fans what I can do.”

What has Hugo Viana said about the completed deal?

“We’re very happy to have Rayan at City. We want to bring top talent to the club, and he falls into that category. He’s a player our scouts have watched for a long time, and we have all been impressed with his skill and creativity.

“I am convinced our fans will be excited to see him play. There’s no doubt that he’s now in the best place possible to develop further under Pep’s guidance and I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction.”

What shirt number has Rayan Cherki selected at Manchester City?

To be confirmed.

Are there any clauses involved in the deal?

As part of the agreement between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester City, the French side have secured themselves a 15 per cent sell-on clause in the deal for Rayan Cherki.

There has also been a suggestion that the two sides have agreed to see a player sent out on loan from the Etihad Stadium to Lyon for the forthcoming 2025/26 season, although that player remains unknown at this stage.

When could Rayan Cherki make his debut for Manchester City?

Rayan Cherki could make his first-team debut for Manchester City as soon as later this month, when Pep Guardiola and his squad – alongside the new arrivals – travel to the United States for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Manchester City will open up their group stage campaign at the tournament against Wydad AC on Wednesday 18 June, followed by a clash against Al-Ain on Monday 23 June, and closing out the phase against Juventus on Thursday 26 June.

Are any further signings expected from Manchester City?

With Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Tijjani Reijnders all through the door alongside Rayan Cherki ahead of the initial summer transfer window deadline, any further business will now likely commence later this month or even after the FIFA Club World Cup.

With Manchester City open to departures this summer, and doubts continuing to loom over the likes of Ederson, Stefan Ortega Moreno, John Stones, and Jack Grealish in particular, any other additions will likely be supplementary.

There have been links to the likes of Diogo Costa and Lucas Chevalier for the number one goalkeeping role at the Etihad Stadium in the event of a departure for Ederson, while Newcastle’s Tino Livramento remains the number one target at right-back.