Man City Pursue Lyon Star Ahead of Club World Cup Following £46.3m Reijnders Signing
Man City Close In on Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders in Double Transfer Swoop
(Image: Rayan Cherki in action for Lyon; caption: Cherki has agreed personal terms with Manchester City ahead of a potential move.)
Manchester City are finalizing a deal to sign Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, with the 21-year-old French star already agreeing to personal terms. The Premier League champions must negotiate a fee with Lyon before Tuesday’s deadline to register him for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the US.
Cherki’s Deadline Rush
Cherki, dubbed one of Europe’s most exciting young playmakers, is eager to join City in time for the tournament. Lyon are holding out for a significant fee, but discussions are progressing rapidly. The French club’s financial struggles could expedite a deal, with City hopeful of a resolution soon.
(Image: Tijjani Reijnders celebrates for AC Milan; caption: Reijnders is set to join City in a deal rising to £58m.)
Reijnders Deal Confirmed
Meanwhile, City have agreed an initial £46.3million fee with AC Milan for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, with performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the total to £58m. The 25-year-old, who starred for Milan last season with 15 goals and five assists, has signed a five-year contract pending a medical.
“The Premier League is a dream,” Reijnders said. “I haven’t spoken to Pep Guardiola yet, but I’m ready for this challenge.” Reijnders’ arrival adds versatility to City’s midfield, with his Serie A Midfielder of the Season award underscoring his technical quality.
Additional Transfer Plans
City are also targeting Wolves’ left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and Sheffield Wednesday’s 18-year-old striker Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri. Ait-Nouri’s attacking flair aligns with Guardiola’s system, while Cadamarteri represents a long-term investment.
(Image: Guardiola during a training session; caption: Guardiola strengthens his squad ahead of the Club World Cup.)
Backroom Changes
Liverpool’s opposition analyst James French is set to join City’s staff, signaling a continued focus on tactical innovation.
Club World Cup Implications
With the Club World Cup kicking off soon, City aim to bolster their squad depth. Cherki’s creativity and Reijnders’ box-to-box energy could prove pivotal in the tournament.
Financial Considerations
City’s spending reflects their ambition to dominate domestically and globally. The Reijnders deal alone highlights their readiness to invest heavily in proven talent, while Cherki’s potential signing aligns with their strategy of recruiting young, high-ceiling players.
(Image: The Club World Cup trophy; caption: City aim to add another trophy to their cabinet this month.)
What’s Next?
Fans can watch all Club World Cup matches live on DAZN. For City, sealing Cherki’s move remains the priority, with Tuesday’s deadline looming. If completed, the duo’s arrival would further solidify City’s status as Europe’s most formidable side.
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