New setback for FC Barcelona's sporting management. While summer transfer market planning keeps moving forward, one of the options that excited both the blaugrana locker room and part of the coaching staff has decided to change course. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed it: Rayan Cherki will play for Manchester City starting next season.
The young French talent, one of Olympique de Lyon's gems, has decided to accept Guardiola's offer and pack his bags for the Premier League. According to the renowned Italian journalist, City has triggered the player's release clause and has officially completed the signing. Now it has left Barça with no room to maneuver, as it had him on its list.
Within Barça there was genuine interest in Cherki; for weeks, his name had been considered a very interesting alternative to strengthen the attacking front. A technical, unbalancing, young profile with potential—everything fit into the new roadmap set by Hansi Flick's project. However, the footballer has chosen to join a consolidated project with greater short-term guarantees.
Cherki goes to City
Beyond the sporting interest, there is a factor that has caught the attention within the blaugrana environment: Raphinha's desire. The Brazilian winger, who has a good relationship with Cherki, would have welcomed his arrival. He believed that together they could form a dangerous partnership on the wing, providing dribbling and creativity in the final third; it is even said that there was some informal contact between the two.
Barça's financial situation has once again played a key role; although Cherki was a realistic target in terms of age and cost, the club couldn't move with the necessary agility. Financial Fair Play limitations have once again halted a strategic signing; meanwhile, City has taken advantage of the situation and acted decisively. Now the deal is closed and official, and Rayan Cherki will wear the 'sky blue' jersey starting in July.
Pep's star signing
The French player thus joins a squad full of talent, where he will seek to establish himself under Guardiola's leadership. An ideal context to keep growing and make the definitive leap to the European elite; for Barça, this loss is more than symbolic. Not only because of the enormous potential of the French player, but also because it represents another opportunity slipping away due to the inability to compete with the continent's economic giants.
Cherki's profile was a perfect fit for the style of soccer Flick wants to implement. Reality once again imposes its logic. Barça keeps working patiently and cautiously, aware that every step must be backed by a stability that is still yet to be achieved.