Manchester City have wasted no time in filling the famous No.10 shirt, handing it to French prodigy Rayan Cherki in the wake of Jack Grealish’s departure to Everton. The 21-year-old arrived from Lyon just before the FIFA Club World Cup in a deal worth €36 million (£30.5m), with further add-ons potentially inflating the fee.
- Cherki takes City’s iconic No.10 shirt
- Grealish heads to Everton on loan
- Guardiola eyes fresh start for new season at Molineux
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Cherki’s move is being billed as a long-term masterstroke, with City seeing him as a creative spark to help bridge the gap left by the exits of club icon Kevin De Bruyne and now Grealish. Known for his silky close control and ability to glide past defenders, the youngster has been on City’s radar since emerging as a standout talent in Ligue 1.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Last season, Cherki notched the joint-highest number of assists (11) in the French top flight and was one of only two non-Paris Saint-Germain players to earn a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season. Soon, after his unveiling, he hinted at his preferred playing position, which aligns with his jersey number, "I prefer to play No.10, but right now I just want to play. Where I am on the pitch is not important; I just want to be on the pitch and help the team to win. I am ready.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
While Cherki’s arrival marks a new chapter, Grealish’s loan move to Everton marks the end of a turbulent period at City. The England international, signed for a British-record fee in 2021, has struggled for consistency under Guardiola and saw his minutes dwindle last season.
Now heading to Merseyside on a season-long loan, Grealish will work under David Moyes in what could be a career-defining stint. Everton have secured an option to make the deal permanent next summer for around £50 million ($67m), a figure that could tempt City to cut ties for good if the 29-year-old flourishes.
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- AFP
WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
Pep Guardiola’s men will begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday with a trip to Molineux to face Wolves. After an underwhelming season, as per City's high standards, they will look to dethrone Liverpool from the perch and reclaim domestic dominance.
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