As of early June 2025, Manchester City is leading the race to sign Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed to join City, with no issues regarding personal terms.
The deal is expected to be worth around €40 million.
Cherki’s impressive performances, including 12 goals and 20 assists in the 2024–25 season, have attracted attention from these top European clubs.
Rayan Cherki is widely considered a very talented player—especially in terms of raw technical ability and creativity.
Here’s what makes him a good player:
Strengths
■Dribbling & Flair: Exceptional 1v1 dribbler with quick feet and a wide range of tricks. He often takes on defenders and creates space in tight areas.
■Vision & Passing: Great eye for through balls and creative passes—he led Ligue 1 in assists for the 2024–25 season.
■Two-footedness: Comfortable shooting, passing, and dribbling with both feet, making him unpredictable.
■Versatility: Can play as a central attacking midfielder, winger on either side, or even as a second striker.
■Set Pieces: Good delivery on corners and free kicks.
Weaknesses / Criticism
■Consistency: He’s had periods where he drifts in and out of games, especially earlier in his career.
■Defensive Work Rate: Often criticized for not tracking back or pressing as intensely as some modern systems demand.
■Decision-Making: Occasionally opts for flashy plays over simpler, more effective options—though this has improved with experience.
Summary:
If you’re evaluating him as a prospect or creative playmaker, he’s already producing at a high level and improving year by year. He might not yet be world-class, but at 21 years old, he’s on track to become a top-tier attacking midfielder—especially if he polishes his consistency and tactical discipline.
Football
