Rayan Cherki looks set to add a new dimension to Man City’s attacking plans next season, but his arrival could spell trouble for certain players.
Manchester City will be looking to relight their attacking spark this summer following a lacklustre performance last season.
After winning four consecutive Premier League titles, City finished third in the 2024/25 season, ending the campaign without silverware.
Pep Guardiola has already secured wing-back Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves and has swiftly turned his attention to Lyon maestro Rayan Cherki, with the club confirming his arrival on Tuesday evening.
Here are the Man City players that could prosper from Cherki’s arrival, and those that could be left behind.
Winners: Erling Haaland and Phil Foden
Following a record-breaking first season at the club, Erling Haaland’s numbers have dropped in the last two campaigns.
The Norwegian talisman netted 36 goals in the 2022/23 Premier League season but managed just 22 last time out, and Kevin De Bruyne’s decline no doubt played a huge part.
De Bruyne is one of English football’s best-ever creators, but following a disappointing downturn in output, will be leaving Man City this summer when his contract expires.
It’s no wonder City are turning their attention to Cherki, whose 32 goal contributions across all competitions saw him named UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season.
The French talent could also help rekindle the magic in Phil Foden’s boots.
Cherki’s imminent arrival not only relieves some of the pressure from Foden following a difficult campaign both on and off the pitch, but also inspires the 25-year-old to find his best form.
We all know just how good Foden can be, and with a player as gifted as Cherki alongside him, next season could see him light up the Etihad Stadium once again.
Losers: Jack Grealish and James McAtee
Having reportedly been left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, a move out of Manchester appears inevitable for Jack Grealish.
The £100 million winger has struggled for game time as of late, having played just 715 Premier League minutes last season.
With Guardiola hoping to secure Cherki’s signature in time for the inaugural Club World Cup, it appears as though Grealish will be left to find a new home elsewhere.
The same could be said for James McAtee, whose exciting transition from academy to first team left City fans dreaming of another potential boyhood hero.
Despite playing over 200 more league minutes than Grealish last campaign, it appears as though Man City may be looking for suitors for McAtee, with their attention turned to both the inbound Cherki and the likes of Savio and Omar Marmoush.