Connect with us

Published

on

JUST IN: Manchester City Strike €40m Deal To Sign Rayan Cherki From Lyon—-Manchester City have agreed a deal with Olympique Lyonnais to sign French playmaker Rayan Cherki, with a five-year contract set to be completed in the coming hours.

The two clubs reached an agreement on Monday morning after City improved their initial offer. While the final fee has not been disclosed, it is understood to be in the region of €40 million (£33.7 million).

Cherki is expected to fly out shortly to join City’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which begins next week.

The 21-year-old has agreed personal terms and will remain under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2030.

City begin their tournament against Wydad Casablanca on June 18 before further fixtures against Al Ain and Juventus in the group stage.

Cherki, who came through Lyon’s academy and made his first-team debut at 16, has long been viewed as one of France’s brightest talents.

He made 185 appearances for Lyon in all competitions and delivered a career-best campaign in 2024-25, registering 12 goals and 20 assists.

That included goals in both legs of Lyon’s Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, and a place in the competition’s Team of the Season.

His form also earned him a first senior call-up for France during the UEFA Nations League finals this month. He made his debut off the bench in a semi-final defeat to Spain before starting and scoring in a third-place win over Germany.

Cherki’s creativity and versatility have been key to his rise. Naturally two-footed, he is capable of playing across attacking midfield positions and both flanks.

While less structured than Pep Guardiola’s usual midfield options, Cherki’s flair, vision and dribbling ability offer a different dimension.

Lyon were initially reluctant to sell, but financial pressures forced their hand. The club had been issued a provisional relegation and transfer ban in November due to financial concerns.

Club owner John Textor had previously insisted Cherki would not be sold, but mounting debt and an impending financial audit by French football’s governing body meant Lyon accepted City’s improved bid.

Cherki is now poised to begin the next chapter of his career in Manchester and could make his debut before the end of the month.

The move brings a long-running transfer saga to an end and adds another talented creative force to Guardiola’s evolving squad.

0Shares

Sports

Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

Published

on

Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

 Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL—-Ousmane Dembélé starred with a brace as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, sealing a dominant 4-0 aggregate win to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The French forward proved decisive on the night, scoring twice to end Liverpool’s European campaign and send the defending champions into the last four for a third consecutive season.

Liverpool’s night was further marred by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké, who was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a severe leg issue, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the season.

Manager Arne Slot made bold selection calls, leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench initially, though the forward was introduced early following Ekitiké’s injury and nearly made an instant impact.

Despite flashes of pressure from Liverpool, PSG remained composed and dangerous on the counter. Dembélé broke the deadlock in the second half with a fine curling effort before adding a second in stoppage time from a Bradley Barcola assist.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback were also dashed when a penalty awarded for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was overturned following a VAR review.

The defeat confirms a disappointing end to Liverpool’s European campaign, while PSG continue their title defence and will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

0Shares
Continue Reading

Sports

Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

Published

on

Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals—-Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

Barcelona made a blistering start at the Metropolitano, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring early before Ferran Torres doubled their lead inside 24 minutes to level the tie on aggregate.

However, Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman, whose crucial strike restored his side’s aggregate advantage following their 2-0 first-leg win.

Diego Simeone’s men then held firm under intense pressure, with Barcelona’s hopes taking a major hit when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.

Despite late attacking changes from coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona were unable to find the third goal needed to force extra time, as Atlético battled through a tense finish.

The result sees Atlético Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, keeping alive their dream of winning the competition for the first time in their history.

They will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

0Shares
Continue Reading

Trending

0Shares