Manchester City have signed French playmaker Rayan Cherki from Lyon in a €36.5m deal, bolstering their squad before the Club World Cup begins on 14 June

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]anchester City sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon in a €36.5 million move, finalising the transfer on Tuesday just in time to register him for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on 14 June.

Also read: Manchester City seek redemption, Chelsea eye premier league

The 21-year-old French international becomes the latest addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad, joining fellow new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

City are also expected to confirm the arrival of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders before the competition’s registration deadline.

Cherki’s transfer includes €6 million in potential add-ons, bringing the total package to €42.5 million (£36.6 million). Speaking to the club’s media team, Cherki said the move marked the realisation of a lifelong ambition.

“This is a dream for me,” the attacking midfielder said. “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.”

A graduate of Olympique Lyonnais’ youth academy, Cherki made his senior debut at just 16 and became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in 2020.

He made 185 appearances in total, scoring 29 goals. His standout performances this past season included two goals in a memorable Europa League quarter-final against Manchester United, despite Lyon’s narrow aggregate loss.

Internationally, Cherki made his senior debut for France last week, making an immediate impact by scoring and assisting in a dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final defeat to Spain.

Manchester City, seeking to rebound from a rare trophyless campaign, have invested heavily to reinforce their squad.

The club spent over £172 million in the January window alone, bringing in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez.

City director of football Hugo Viana praised Cherki’s potential, stating:

“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.”

Also read: Pep Guardiola tigns two-year contract extension with Manchester City

Manchester City will begin their Club World Cup campaign against Moroccan champions Wydad AC and UAE’s Al Ain, before a group-stage showdown with Juventus.