'Amazing finisher' Rayan Cherki 'can certainly win' Ballon d’Or at Manchester City after summer transfer, say TNT Sports experts
Published 10/08/2025 at 16:02 GMT+1
Rayan Cherki is certainly not a man short on confidence, judging by his comments since arriving at Manchester City. He is backing himself to win arguably football's most prestigious individual prize, following in Rodri's footsteps. The Breakdown team believe that is certainly a possibility, as the Frenchman prepares for his first Premier League season.
Cherki backing himself for Ballon d'Or? 'I like that,' says Cole
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Rayan Cherki is being tipped to make a big impact at Manchester City this summer following his transfer from Lyon.
The TNT Sports Breakdown team lauded praise on the 21-year-old, who arrived at Etihad Stadium for a fee reportedly in the region of £30.5 million.
Cherki is certainly aiming for the very top after joining Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad, revealing his desire to emulate Rodri and win the Ballon d’Or.
Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole and Darren Fletcher believe these claims are far from fanciful, as the midfielder looks to take the Premier League by storm.
"He's two-footed, an amazing finisher, and been a pro since he was 16 years old," said Hargreaves. "He had 30-plus goals and assists last season."
Cole then added: "You know what I like, I've heard a couple of quotes about him, and he's having himself, but in a nice way. He was talking about Ballon d'Ors and things like that. I like that, though."
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Watch: Cherki's Europa League quarter-final goals against Man Utd amid Man City interest
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Fletcher then replied: "He can certainly win one at Man City. I'm not sure about him winning one at Lyon, but he can win one there.
"He's got the stage now at Man City. The only downside would be, sometimes players have gone into a Pep system, and this a relatively new-look Manchester City team, and it can take you a season to properly adapt.
"If they're going to push Liverpool, they've all got to settle in straight away."
Cherki linked up with City at the FIFA Club World Cup, making four appearances and scoring in a 6-0 win over Al Ain, before Guardiola's side were knocked out in the last 16 by Al-Hilal.
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Shortly after arriving at the club, the Frenchman spoke about the freedom which he would be afforded in the side by Guardiola.
"Pep told me, 'When you have the ball, you are free', which is very good for me because it's my first quality to help the team," Cherki said.
"When I spoke with Pep, he wanted me. He was very, very clear. The system, the club, the city is very good. I spoke with Pep about my position on the pitch, and we spoke about what I enjoy when I'm on the pitch."
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He also further endeared himself to the fanbase by expressing his desire to seek revenge on local rivals Manchester United, following Lyon’s dramatic UEFA Europa League quarter-final defeat last season.
"I didn’t like it when Manchester United won the game against Lyon because I am a Lyonnais. Now, I am waiting for the game [to] kill them."
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