Man City Identify Lyon’s Cherki as Prime De Bruyne Heir

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City have identified Olympique Lyonnais attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki as a prime candidate to replace departing legend Kevin De Bruyne, with sources confirming the Premier League champions have begun due diligence on the £19m-rated French international.

The Replacement Puzzle

With De Bruyne expected to join Napoli on a free transfer and Jack Grealish’s future uncertain, Pep Guardiola’s recruitment team has:
• Compiled detailed scouting reports on Cherki’s 2023-24 season (12G/19A)
• Verified his €22.5m (£19m) release clause validity
• Initiated preliminary talks with the player’s representatives

“City want creativity with tactical flexibility,” revealed a club insider. “Cherki’s ability to play centrally or wide makes him ideal for our system.”

By the Numbers: Why Cherki?

The 21-year-old’s 2023-24 statistical dominance:
✓ Ligue 1 Team of the Season
✓ Best Dribbler Award winner
✓ 99th percentile among European attackers for:

• Shot-creating actions (6.78/90)

• Progressive passes (7.12/90)

• Expected assists (0.38/90)

The Financial Picture

Competition & Timing

• Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White remains an alternative
• Cherki’s release clause expires July 15
• France’s Nations League involvement could delay negotiations

Guardiola reportedly wants new attackers secured before City’s U.S. preseason tour begins July 23.