Guardiola gets his way, Real Madrid wanted him and it will be official in hours
✅ Guardiola Gets His Way: Rayan Cherki Set to Join Manchester City, Real Madrid Miss Out
In a blow to Real Madrid’s summer transfer plans, Rayan Cherki, one of the most exciting young talents in European football, is on the verge of signing with Manchester City. Despite long-standing interest from the Spanish giants, it appears that Pep Guardiola’s side has won the race, preparing to finalize a €40 million deal within the next few hours.
🇫🇷 Cherki’s Rise Caught the Eye of Europe’s Elite
The Olympique Lyon star has been one of Ligue 1’s brightest young performers. In the most recent campaign, he notched up 12 goals and 20 assists over just 3,099 minutes — an impressive tally that drew attention from top clubs across the continent.
Real Madrid had identified Cherki as a potential long-term solution for their right wing, offering flair, creativity, and the kind of positional versatility that aligns perfectly with their modern tactical approach. However, Madrid’s pursuit never advanced to the final stages.
💰 The Guardiola Effect
According to sources close to the negotiations, Cherki has already given his approval for the move to Manchester, attracted by Guardiola’s football philosophy and City’s ambitious project — especially ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
With the Premier League champions accelerating talks, it’s now just a matter of formalities before the transfer becomes official. Guardiola, reportedly a long-time admirer of the Frenchman’s technical ability and spatial awareness, sees Cherki as a key part of the next evolution of his City side.
❌ Real Madrid Left Behind
Real Madrid’s focus has shifted recently toward sealing deals for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, but missing out on Cherki is a clear loss. The Spanish giants saw in him a player capable of complementing future stars like Endrick, Güler, and Bellingham.
Despite losing this particular battle, Madrid remains confident in its squad and continues to lead the way in European competition, with eyes on another Club World Cup title this summer.
