You don’t just replace Kevin De Bruyne—you launch a full-scale, data-driven, soul-searching odyssey to find someone who can tie their boots the same way. Enter Rayan Cherki: Lyon’s 21-year-old creative force, assist-machine, and the man who’s out-dribbled Ligue 1 into submission.
City’s summer shortlist includes Cherki, and why not? He clocked 12 goals, 19 assists, and more dazzling footwork than a samba school in Rio. With De Bruyne Etihad-bound for a goodbye, and Jack Grealish’s hair possibly packing up too, Pep Guardiola is hunting for fresh magic. And Cherki? He’s got pixie dust in both boots and a release clause so modest, it practically blushes—£19 million, folks.
Why Cherki Could Be City’s Bargain of the Decade
Let’s talk numbers—because Pep does. Cherki ranked in the 99th percentile for assists, expected assists, progressive passes, and shot-creating actions in Europe’s top leagues. That’s not just good. That’s “get him before Real Madrid do” good.
He’s been named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season, earned France’s call-up for the Nations League semi-finals, and scooped up the inaugural Best Dribbler award. If flair had a face, it’d look suspiciously like his.
Cherki to City: Just What the Doctor Ordered for a Post-De Bruyne World
Cherki’s versatility is Pep’s love language. He plays centrally, dances down the flanks, and occasionally breaks the laws of physics. Add the fact that he’s actually interested in Champions League football—no “project” excuses here—and you have a match made in Etihad heaven.
Morgan Gibbs-White might be on the list, but Cherki is the one already dressed for the role.
Final Whistle: The Cherki Chapter Awaits
So, Manchester City fans, prepare your Twitter fingers and YouTube compilations. If all goes well, Cherki might be the best thing to come out of Lyon since the quenelle. And if not—well, at least it’s not another winger who only scores in training.
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