Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has undergone a much-needed squad refresh during the current transfer window following a disappointing 2024/2025 season. The club’s only silverware came early, winning the Community Shield against Liverpool on penalties (5-4) after a 1-1 draw in regulation.
City endured a tough year: eliminated in the Champions League Playoffs by Tottenham in the Round of 16, losing the FA Cup Final to Crystal Palace, exiting the Club World Cup in the Round of 16 to Al Hilal, and finishing a respectable but underwhelming third place in the Premier League after dropping crucial points throughout the campaign.
City secured six reinforcements: Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Wolverhampton), James Trafford (Burnley), Sverre Nypan (Rosenborg), Marcus Bettinelli (Chelsea), and Rayan Cherki (Olympique Lyon).
The highlight is Cherki, the 21-year-old French playmaker, who on Thursday, August 14, was handed the iconic number 10 jersey, previously worn by Jack Grealish. Grealish has been loaned to Everton for the season, joining other loanees like Vitor Reis (Girona) and Juma Bah (Nice).
Cherki’s big responsibility
In a video shared across Manchester City’s social media platforms, Cherki proudly donned his new number. The creative midfielder is expected to bring flair and vision to Guardiola’s attack, filling the creative void left by Grealish’s departure. City fans are eager to see whether Cherki can live up to the expectations and become a pivotal figure in the club’s bid for silverware this season.
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Opening fixtures: Wolves and Tottenham
Cherki will make his Premier League debut in the number 10 jersey on Saturday, August 16, when Manchester City visits Wolverhampton at the Molineux Stadium for the season opener. The Etihad Stadium will host its first league match of the campaign on August 23 against Real Madrid, a game that promises to be a stern early-season test. With Guardiola’s revamped squad and fresh attacking options, City will aim to bounce back from last season’s setbacks and mount a serious challenge on all fronts in 2025/2026.
