Rayan Cherki has set his sights on profitable the Ballon d’Or after finishing his transfer Manchester Metropolis.
The 21-year-old joined the Premier League champions in a deal price £30.6million forward of their Membership World Cup marketing campaign.
Having emerged as one of many brightest younger prospects in European soccer, Cherki arrives at Metropolis contemporary off his senior debut for the French nationwide workforce in opposition to Spain earlier this month.
His ambition is evident – to turn into the very best on this planet – and he believes Manchester Metropolis is the right atmosphere to make that dream a actuality.
“Whenever you see Rodri, he received the Ballon d’Or right here,” Cherki mentioned whereas talking at Metropolis’s Membership World Cup coaching base in Florida.
“It’s clear that with Manchester Metropolis it’s attainable and I’m right here for this. I wish to win and I believe Manchester Metropolis needs to win all of it. For me that’s higher.”
Cherki is predicted to function in Metropolis’s upcoming fixture in opposition to Moroccan facet Wydad AC in Philadelphia. Even earlier than stepping onto the pitch in a Metropolis shirt, he’s already caught the eye of followers, notably for his feedback geared toward native rivals Manchester United.
Rayan Cherki cannot anticipate the Manchester derby 👀 pic.twitter.com/oL897HFGbW
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) June 15, 2025
Cherki beforehand confronted United within the Europa League. Within the second leg at Outdated Trafford, Lyon had been lowered to 10 males however nonetheless led 4-2 earlier than finally falling 5-4 in additional time.
Throughout the tie, Cherki scored the objective that briefly put his facet 3-2 forward, and appeared to gesture towards the United supporters.
Reflecting on that night time, he didn’t maintain again: “I’m right here to win all of the video games.
“I don’t like when Manchester United received the sport in opposition to Lyon as a result of I’m a Lyonnais. Now I’m ready for the sport [to] kill them.”
Cherki’s addition provides Guardiola one other attacking choice, particularly in gentle of Kevin De Bruyne’s current departure.
There may be hypothesis about how properly the French teenager will adapt to Guardiola’s tactical expectations, notably his obligations off the ball.
Nevertheless, he appears to have already related with the Metropolis supervisor, who has given him a way of freedom in possession.
“Pep informed me: ‘when you might have the ball, you might be free’ which is superb for me as a result of it’s my first high quality to assist the workforce,” Cherki added.
“Once I spoke with Pep he wished me. He was very, very clear. The system, the membership, the town is superb. I spoke with Pep about my place on the pitch and we spoke about what I take pleasure in after I’m on the pitch.”