Ryan Cherki: The £100M 'CAM' Man City Got for £30M!

Ryan Cherki’s talent, creativity, and flair make him the perfect fit for Manchester City’s attacking midfield role under Pep Guardiola.

RayWrites
July 17, 2025

Manchester City has just pulled off a masterstroke by signing Ryan Cherki, one of Europe’s most electrifying young talents. At just 21 years old, Cherki arrives at the Etihad Stadium not only as a player bursting with flair and creativity but as a burgeoning star primed to transform City’s attacking dynamics.

A Star Born in Lyon’s Academy

Cherki’s footballing journey began at Lyon’s renowned youth academy—a breeding ground for prodigies like Karim Benzema. Even among such elite company, Cherki stood out for his audacious dribbling, vision, and unrelenting hunger for the ball. Coaches have long marveled at his fearless approach, describing his playing style as innate, woven into his DNA.

By age 16, Cherki had already signed his first professional contract, quickly advancing to train with Lyon’s first team while many peers were still navigating adolescence. He made history in 2020 as Lyon’s youngest-ever goal scorer and soon after, stunned the football world with a breathtaking performance in the Coupe de France, where he single-handedly influenced all four goals in a thrilling victory.

Rising to Europe’s Biggest Stages

Cherki’s rise didn’t stop there. At 17, he became the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League semi-final, facing off against the mighty Bayern Munich. He demonstrated clutch qualities again in May 2021, scoring a last-minute winner to keep Lyon’s Champions League hopes alive—a clear signal that he is far more than just a flashy dribbler.

The 2025 season was a coming-of-age year for Cherki. Amidst a struggling Lyon side fighting relegation, he emerged as the creative heartbeat, finishing as the league’s top assist provider, Europa League’s young player of the season, and earning a spot in the league’s Team of the Year. Impressively, he led Europe’s top five leagues in expected assists, surpassing notable stars like Lamine Yamal and Xavi Simons.

Overcoming Criticism and Mental Hurdles

Despite his undeniable talent, Cherki’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Critics have questioned his mentality and work rate, painting him unfairly with stereotypes about young North African players from suburban backgrounds. Former coaches highlighted areas for improvement, especially his defensive contributions. However, those close to Cherki argue that these criticisms miss the mark.

The reality is a young man committed to growth—he’s enlisted a fitness coach, a psychologist, and even a personal chef to optimize his performance. Cherki is known for his relentless work ethic, constantly seeking feedback and studying video footage to sharpen his skills. His progression is clear in his improved decision-making and consistency on the pitch.

The Perfect Fit for Pep Guardiola’s Vision

Manchester City’s signing of Cherki is not a last-minute scramble but a strategic move by Pep Guardiola, who has a knack for nurturing gifted youngsters into world-class talents—just like he did with Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. Cherki’s unpredictable creativity, technical finesse, and ability to unlock defenses will add a new dimension to City’s attacking arsenal.

Unlike the predictable patterns that sometimes plagued City’s attack last season, Cherki brings that elusive spark—the daring dribble, the cheeky flick, the impossible pass—that can break down even the most stubborn defenses. His versatility allows him to excel both as a central number 10 and wide attacker, using his two-footed ability to confound opponents.

A Joyous Talent Ready to Flourish

Above all, what sets Cherki apart is the pure joy he radiates on the pitch. His love for the game is palpable, injecting life and excitement wherever he plays. City fans can look forward to witnessing a player who isn’t just skilled but who plays with heart, imagination, and flair.

As Manchester City prepares for a new chapter without Kevin De Bruyne, Cherki steps in with the promise of greatness—a thrilling blend of youthful exuberance and technical mastery. With Pep at the helm, the next few years could see Ryan Cherki evolve from an exciting prospect into one of the Premier League’s most dazzling midfield maestros.