‘Man City convinced Rayan Cherki not to join Liverpool’ – Stefan Borson
Manchester City convinced new signing Rayan Cherki not to join Liverpool after he’s sealed a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool were linked with a move for Cherki as Arne Slot looks to add to his attacking options this summer.
The France international joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Lyon for an initial £30.5million, with up to £5million in potential add-ons.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it’s “surprising” more European clubs weren’t fighting to sign the 21-year-old forward this summer.
Cherki registered 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances in the 2024-25 season, while he scored his first France goal on his debut against Spain on 5 June.
Man City have already spent around £115million on new additions after also signing Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves.
Man City agreed Rayan Cherki deal after 'surprising' twist
Borson revealed Man City convinced Cherki they were the right club for him to join after he held talks over a move to Liverpool.
He told Football Insider: “I think there can be a lot of premature assessments of players before they've even kicked a ball.
“We have seen that many times in the past.
“The fee looks like a good fee.
“I mean, it is slightly surprising that when it came to it, there weren't more European clubs fighting or maybe City had done a very good job of getting them effectively out of the way and convincing the player that that was the right move.
“They certainly did that with Liverpool.
“We know that Liverpool had conversations with him.
“I wonder whether there was some handshake that Lyon had with Cherki that said if a fee comes in of X or Y, then we will let you go for that fee.”
Kyle Walker is 'all but done' as Man City decision made
There is also expected to be several outgoings at the Etihad this summer as Man City look to revamp their squad.
Football Insider revealed on 15 June Kyle Walker has “no way back” at Man City, with his future now “all but done” after clashing with Guardiola.
AC Milan opted not to sign the right-back following his loan spell in Italy, but several Premier League and European clubs are monitoring his situation.
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