Paqueta, Dorgu react to Rayan Cherki’s 3-word message over Man City breakthrough
Lucas Paqueta and Patrick Dorgu have both reacted to Rayan Cherki after the attacking midfielder kicked off a bright start to his Man City career.
A dismal 2024/25 campaign by their standards saw Pep Guardiola‘s side fail to win a major trophy, highlighting the need for a squad overhaul in the process.
Man City were therefore tipped to spend over £200million in the summer transfer window, and they have already gone some way to doing that.
Four new players have already been added to the first-team squad at the Etihad, and that includes the cut-price signing of Cherki from Lyon.
Rayan Cherki off the mark for his new club
Having completed his move to the Premier League side, Cherki made his debut for Man City in their win over Wydad Casablanca in their first game of the Club World Cup in the USA last week, albeit without having a huge impact himself.
But early on Monday morning (23 June), the 21-year-old followed that up by scoring his first goal for Guardiola’s side in a 6-0 thrashing of UAE side Al-Ain.
The attacking is clearly determined to ensure there is more to come from him for his new side, as he took to Instagram after the game to send a message that simply read: “Just the beginning”.
In response, West Ham duo Paqueta and Emerson Palmieri – who both previously played with Cherki at Lyon – showed their backing for their former teammate by liking the post.
Meanwhile, Man United left-back Dorgu, as well as some of the 21-year-old’s new Man City teammates such as Nathan Ake and Savinho, also did the same.
Man City will have relief over early goal
Football Insider Verdict
Obviously, there will be tougher test to come for Cherki during his time in a Man City shirt, but this will nonetheless be a welcome sight for those connected with the club.
The Frenchman will be expected to fill some big shoes at the Etihad, following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne this summer.
Such a role comes with a huge amount of pressure, and an early goal to feel like he is contributing will at least help to lift some of that, and give him the belief needed to push on.
It is worth noting that Man City have apparently cooled their interest in Morgan Gibbs-White at Nottingham Forest, with the England international another who could have filled the De Bruyne void.
So for Cherki to hit the ground running in this way will provide some vindication for the club over the direction they have chosen to go in.