City sign Rayan Cherki for £30.45m

Attacking midfielder joins from Lyon on a five-year deal

City have completed the signing of Rayan Cherki from Lyon for a fee of £30.45m. The 21-year-old has signed a contract that will see him remain at The Etihad until 2030.

The attacking midfielder made 185 appearances for Lyon, scoring 29 times and registering 45 assists, and made his international debut for France earlier this month.

“This is a dream for me,” Cherki said. “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.”

Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “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.”