Revealed: Rayan Cherki backed out of medical with European giant before Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

The future of Rayan Cherki and the Frenchman’s career path could have taken a very different turn one year prior to his Manchester City switch, it has been revealed.

Cherki’s move to the Etihad marked one of City’s long-planned additions to their forward line during the recent summer transfer window, with the club viewing the France international as a creative talent capable of evolving into a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

But there was another major chapter that almost defined his career as Paris Saint-Germain had long tracked the Lyon academy product, believing he could be their next major domestic star, and 2024 appeared to be the year they would finally get their man.

As Cherki continued to develop in Ligue 1, the level of interest in his signature escalated with PSG particularly aggressive in their pursuit, as club officials saw an opportunity to secure a long-term creative midfielder while also weakening a division rival.

However, Cherki’s Etihad arrival in 2025 has seen him thrive immediately and his first goal in sky blue came at the FIFA Club World Cup, was handed the iconic No.10 shirt after Jack Grealish’s loan exit, and he scored on his Premier League debut just weeks later.

Now, according to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins speaking with Canal Supporters’ YouTube channel, as relayed by Le10 Sport and translated by Sport Witness, it has been revealed just how close Rayan Cherki came to joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

“Cherki was supposed to have his medical. I’m telling you. He was supposed to have his medical. It was scheduled,” Hawkins revealed this week.

The journalist continued, “There was an agreement between all parties. I can’t put it any better; he was supposed to have his medical.

“He decided, for his own reasons, to back out.”

Cherki’s decision to withdraw from PSG at the last moment suggests he had long been considering a different kind of development pathway – one that City were able to offer with a clearly defined long-term role.

Looking ahead, Cherki’s evolving responsibilities could expand even further. With the No.10 shirt on his back and already contributing across competitions, City may look to shape him as the natural successor to Kevin De Bruyne in the creative zones over the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, PSG may watch his growth with some regret, particularly if he continues delivering in major moments. As for Cherki himself, the decision to ditch a scheduled PSG medical may ultimately go down as one of the most influential choices of his career.