Liverpool transfer target agrees personal terms with Premier League rivals Man City

Liverpool’s hopes of landing one of Europe’s brightest young stars have been dealt a major blow, as reports confirm that Manchester City have reached a full agreement on personal terms with Lyon’s dynamic attacker, Rayan Cherki.

The 21-year-old Frenchman, long admired by both Liverpool and City, now appears to be edging closer to a move to the Etihad. According to reliable transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Cherki has given the green light for a move to England, with personal terms already sealed between the player and Pep Guardiola’s side.

This development marks a significant twist in what had been a fiercely contested transfer battle. Liverpool were believed to be monitoring Cherki for months, with Arne Slot’s recruitment team reportedly seeing him as a natural fit for their evolving system. But it seems the Reds have lost ground, with City now firmly in pole position.

Cherki, a creative force in Ligue 1, has grown frustrated with Lyon’s lack of progress in recent years and has made no secret of his desire to take the next step in his career. The Frenchman believes that the Premier League is the perfect stage to showcase his talents—and Manchester City, with their possession-based attacking style, could offer him the ideal environment.

Talks between City and Lyon are said to be progressing swiftly. The two clubs initiated contact over the weekend, and although no formal bid has been submitted yet, sources expect an offer to arrive within hours. Lyon, while open to negotiations, are prepared to demand a significant transfer fee for their prized asset.

The French club are aware that Cherki’s value has soared following a stellar 2024/25 campaign, in which he netted 12 goals and contributed 20 assists across all competitions. That kind of output from an attacking midfielder his age has not gone unnoticed among Europe’s elite.

Liverpool, for their part, had hoped to entice Cherki with the promise of regular first-team football and a starring role in Slot’s new-look side. With the departures of several fringe attackers on the horizon, including Fabio Carvalho and possibly Harvey Elliott, Anfield looked like a destination where Cherki could thrive. But City’s offer of Champions League football and a potential mentorship under Guardiola appears to have swung the pendulum.

The news comes at a particularly frustrating time for Liverpool fans, who had grown increasingly optimistic about their club’s activity in the transfer market. With Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez all heavily linked with moves to Anfield, Cherki was seen as the cherry on top of an ambitious rebuild.

City, meanwhile, are looking to revamp their attacking options following a rare trophy-less season. Guardiola is said to be keen on adding younger, more unpredictable profiles to his squad, and Cherki’s flair, footwork, and ability to unlock tight defenses make him a perfect addition.

What makes this potential move even more significant is its symbolic weight. City not only look poised to sign a top-tier talent, but also to beat a major rival to his signature. For Liverpool, it’s a painful reminder of the competitive edge City still hold in the transfer market.

Many fans will remember that Rayan Cherki has long been on the radar of top clubs across Europe. Since debuting for Lyon at just 16, he’s been hailed as a generational talent—blessed with quick feet, vision, and a coolness in possession rarely seen in someone so young.

His playing style has drawn comparisons to Riyad Mahrez, a former City fan favourite. With Mahrez now gone, Cherki could serve as a long-term replacement—bringing back that spark on the wing and also offering versatility as a central playmaker.

City’s capture of Cherki would also underline their continued ability to attract the most promising young talents in world football, despite the intense competition. The Etihad project remains one of the most enticing in Europe for up-and-coming stars.

Liverpool now find themselves in a difficult spot. With their top attacking midfield target seemingly on his way to Manchester, the Reds may need to swiftly pivot toward alternative options. While Wirtz’s arrival would soften the blow, Cherki’s unique profile will be tough to replicate.

Arne Slot and his recruitment staff will need to assess whether to revisit previous targets or explore emerging talents across Europe. One thing is clear: missing out on Cherki is a setback, especially considering how advanced Liverpool’s interest had reportedly been just a few weeks ago.

As for Cherki, the stage now seems set. If the deal is finalized, he will become City’s first major signing of the summer—a statement signing aimed at reinforcing Guardiola’s vision and reasserting the club’s dominance in English football.

And while Liverpool will surely regroup, this particular battle in the transfer market has seemingly been won by their bitter rivals in sky blue. The coming days will reveal just how quickly the Reds can bounce back.