Phil Foden, you’ve been warned! Man City’s homegrown hero told potential new signing Rayan Cherki can reach his level after ‘difficult season’

 

Phil Foden, you’ve been warned! Man City’s homegrown hero told potential new signing Rayan Cherki can reach his level after ‘difficult season’

Phil Foden has been warned that Manchester City’s potential new signing Rayan Cherki can reach his level after a “difficult season”.

 

Foden had an underwhelming campaign

Man City set to sign Cherki from Lyon

Guardiola keen on squad overhaul

WHAT HAPPENED?

 

 

Following a remarkable 2023-24 campaign that earned him the Men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year, Foden entered the 2024-25 season with lofty hopes. But his output declined sharply, managing only 16 goal contributions in contrast to the 40 he produced the year before.

 

THE BIGGER PICTURE

 

Fulham FC v Manchester City FC – Premier League

With City preparing for a major reshuffle this summer, Foden may soon find increased competition within the squad as a new creative force looks set to arrive in Cherki. With Kevin De Bruyne heading toward the exit and Jack Grealish’s future up in the air, Cherki is being earmarked to step into a pivotal creative role. His release clause stands at £25 million ($34m), making him a relatively inexpensive prospect for a player who tallied 12 goals and 20 assists during the 2024/25 campaign.

 

WHAT DESAILLY SAID

 

French football legend Marcel Desailly weighed in on the potential of Cherki and the impact he could make at City.

 

 

“I was scared that Rayan Cherki was going to choose Manchester United because he needs a team that has a set style,” he told Oddspedia.

 

“He needs a team that already has a philosophy where things work, not to ask him to go in and be the main playmaker straight away. With Manchester City, he can adapt to the philosophy of the system they already have, he can reach the level of Bernardo Silva and the level of Phil Foden, who has had a difficult season, but he is in the same bracket of player. He has a talent that has not yet been in lights, but we will see.”

 

WHAT NEXT FOR FODEN?

 

Rayan Cherki

While Foden remains an integral part of City’s long-term plans, the looming arrival of Cherki adds pressure. The Club World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the Lyon star to immediately stake a claim for a regular place in Guardiola’s plans, potentially playing alongside or even ahead of Foden. They are set to kick off their campaign on June 18 against Moroccan champions Wydad AC.

 

Manchester City is on the verge of signing Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyon, a move that has sparked comparisons between the French prodigy and City’s own Phil Foden. Cherki, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder, has been lauded for his creativity and technical prowess, leading to discussions about his potential to reach, or even surpass, Foden’s level.

 

Cherki’s Impressive 2024–25 Season

 

Cherki’s performance in the 2024–25 season has been nothing short of remarkable. He tallied 12 goals and 20 assists across all competitions, earning accolades such as Ligue 1’s Top Assist Provider, Dribbler of the Year, and a spot in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year. His contributions were instrumental in Lyon’s deep run in the UEFA Europa League, where he was named Young Player of the Season and included in the Team of the Season.

 

Manchester City’s Interest and Transfer Details

 

Manchester City’s pursuit of Cherki aligns with their strategy to rejuvenate the squad following a challenging season. The club is reportedly finalizing a deal worth between €30 million and €40 million for the French international. Cherki is expected to sign a five-year contract, adding depth and creativity to City’s midfield options.

 

Comparisons with Phil Foden

 

Phil Foden, a product of Manchester City’s academy, has established himself as a key player for both club and country. In the 2023–24 season, he scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League, earning the Player of the Season award.

 

Cherki’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Foden’s, particularly in terms of creativity and versatility. Both players are capable of operating in various attacking roles, including as central attacking midfielders and wingers. Cherki’s dribbling ability and vision make him a constant threat, similar to Foden’s impact in the final third.

 

Potential Impact at Manchester City

 

Cherki’s arrival at Manchester City could provide the team with a new dimension in attack. His ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities would complement the existing talents in the squad. Manager Pep Guardiola’s emphasis on tactical flexibility and technical proficiency aligns well with Cherki’s skill set.

 

While Foden has faced challenges in maintaining peak form due to a demanding schedule, including 69 games for club and country in the previous season, Cherki’s addition could alleviate some of the creative burden on the English midfielder.

 

Conclusion

 

The potential signing of Rayan Cherki represents a strategic move by Manchester City to bolster their attacking options and inject fresh creativity into the squad. While comparisons with Phil Foden are inevitable, Cherki’s unique attributes and impressive track record suggest he could carve out his own niche at the club. If he adapts well to the Premier League and Guardiola’s system, Cherki has the potential to become a key figure in Manchester City’s pursuit of domestic G37 and European success.

 

 

 

 

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