“At a push I’d consider” – Ligue 1 club president reveals dream to sign Manchester City star | OneFootball

The president of French side Troyes has joked he would consider signing Manchester City’s star midfielder Rayan Cherki if the opportunity was to ever present itself. 

The France international has impressed throughout his early months in England that have been tainted slightly by a thigh issue, though regardless Cherki has still contributed to three goals and as many assists in just 11 games across all competitions. 

Much to the delight of Manchester City fans, the 22-year-old has been used primarily as an impact substitute throughout his time under Pep Guardiola so far, often coming on late to electrify a game and inject energy into a tired group of players. 

The former Lyon attacker joined Guardiola’s project for £34 million in a huge overhaul in the summer led by the newly-appointed sporting director Hugo Viana, while others brought to the Etihad Stadium included Gianluigi Donnarumma, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri. 

Since Cherki’s arrival, he has impressed in the limited game-time put towards him by scoring against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, Swansea City in the League Cup, and Wolves on his Premier League debut back in August. 

As a result of his striking start to life in England, the president of City Football Group side Troyes has jokingly claimed he would consider taking the player to Ligue 2, where his side lead the table in a bid to return to the French top-flight for the first time since 2023. 

“Our role is to develop players and also to have players who are a good fit for our size and the division we play in,” Pindi told Foot Mercato, translated and relayed by Sport Witness.

“Well, I’d love to have a Manchester City player but frankly, I’m not sure he’d be a good fit for Ligue 2. No, I can [pick], there are too many good players. At a push, I’d consider Rayan Cherki.”

Unbeknownst to many, the relationship between City and Troyes is very special thanks to both being a part of the City Group, where the Premier League side are considered the most lucrative among the 13 clubs involved.

Indeed, there have been previous ties between the clubs with Savinho, who was initially assigned to Troyes, joining the eight-time Premier League champions last summer after a stellar season on-loan at Girona, who are also part of the CFG.

Rayan Cherki’s impact at Manchester City has been remarkable so far and at the age of just 22, the Frenchman provides potential that could eventually see him become one of the best attackers in the Premier League.

His ability to dribble in tight areas and dispatch lethal strikes brings comparisons to club legend Kevin de Bruyne, who won 19 major trophies throughout his time at the club before joining Napoli on a free.