Manchester City have completed the signing of French midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon, just days before their Club World Cup campaign kicks off.

Manchester City have completed the signing of French midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon, just days before their Club World Cup campaign kicks off.

MANCHESTER, June 11 — Manchester City have officially signed French international Rayan Cherki from Lyon, completing the deal just in time to meet the registration deadline for the upcoming Club World Cup.

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MANCHESTER, June 11 — Manchester City have officially signed French international Rayan Cherki from Lyon, completing the deal just in time to meet the registration deadline for the upcoming Club World Cup.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder joins Pep Guardiola’s squad for a reported fee of €36.5 million (US$41 million, £30.3 million), with an additional €6 million in potential add-ons.

“This is a dream come true,” Cherki said in a statement released by the club. “To sign for a club like Manchester City and take the next step in my career here is incredibly special.

“I’ve dedicated my life to this sport and worked hard to reach this moment. The chance to grow under Pep and his coaching team is one I’m thrilled to have.

“City are one of the best teams in the world, with a winning mentality. I’m ready to take on the responsibility of helping the team continue that success.”

Cherki joins fellow new recruit Rayan Ait-Nouri, who arrived from Wolves on Monday. City are also expected to finalize a move for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders before Tuesday’s registration deadline.

City will open their Club World Cup campaign on June 14, facing Moroccan side Wydad AC and Emirati club Al Ain, before a high-profile clash against Juventus in the group stage.

The club has already invested over £172 million during the January transfer window to bring in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez.

A product of Lyon’s youth academy, Cherki made his first-team debut at just 16 and became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in 2020. He went on to score 29 goals in 185 appearances for Lyon, including a brace in this season’s Europa League quarter-final against Manchester United — a dramatic tie United ultimately won 7-6 on aggregate.

Cherki earned his senior international debut for France last week, registering a goal and an assist in their 5-4 UEFA Nations League semi-final loss to Spain.

City’s director of football Hugo Viana said, “There’s no better place than here for Rayan to grow. Under Pep’s guidance, we’re confident he can develop into a world-class talent.” — AFPFrance's forward #25 Rayan Cherki (left) and midfielder #13 Manu Kone (center) arrive for a training session with the national football team in Bietigheim, near Stuttgart in southwestern Germany, on June 7, 2025. — AFP pic

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