Manchester City have officially sealed the signing of highly-rated French playmaker Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais.
The 21-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2030.
A graduate of Lyon’s prestigious academy system, Cherki arrives in Manchester boasting significant experience for his age, having made 185 senior appearances for his hometown club.
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most gifted young attackers, the Frenchman has consistently drawn attention for his flair and creativity.
Having made his senior debut at just 16 in October 2019, Cherki wasted no time in making history, he became the youngest scorer in Lyon’s history with a goal in January 2020.
That same season, he featured in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich, setting another milestone as the youngest ever player to do so.
His breakthrough came in the 2022/23 campaign, when he cemented his spot in Lyon’s starting XI and quickly became one of Ligue 1’s standout stars.
His stellar form during the 2024/25 season earned him a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season, making him one of just two non-Paris Saint-Germain players to be included.
Cherki’s immense talent was on full display in March when he led France’s Under-21s to a 5-3 victory over England’s U21s—who featured Manchester City’s Rico Lewis and James McAtee, by delivering two assists and capping off the performance with a goal.
A month later, he starred in Lyon’s dramatic UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Manchester United, scoring in both legs of the gripping tie that ended 7-6 in favour of the Premier League side.
On the international front, Cherki’s rise continued with a senior France debut in the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Spain.
Summoned off the bench, he played a key role in an almost improbable comeback from 5-1 down, scoring once before France ultimately lost 5-4.
That performance was followed by a composed and commanding full debut in the third-place play-off, where he helped Les Bleus to a 2-0 victory over Germany.
Comfortable on either flank or behind the striker, Cherki is known for his dazzling dribbling, explosive bursts of pace, and sharp eye for goal or an assist.
Equally adept with both feet, he poses a threat from almost any angle, whether delivering a cross, unleashing a shot, or gliding past defenders.
Cherki will now link up with Pep Guardiola’s squad immediately and is in line to feature at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.