RAYAN CHERKI believes his “dream” move to Manchester City gives him the perfect platform to shine.
The 21-year-old France international becomes Pep Guardiola’s third capture of the summer after moving from Lyon.
Rayan Cherki completed his £35m transfer to Manchester City[/caption]
He made his first two caps for France in the Nations League but will team up with the Citizens for the Club World Cup[/caption]
City will pay around £30million up front for the midfielder with a further £5m in add-ons if he proves to be a success.
He follows full-back Rayan Ait Nouri – who moved from Wolves to the Etihad for £31m – on Monday and reserve keeper Marcus Bettinelli.
Meanwhile, Tijjani Reijnders’ £46m switch from Milan will be formally announced on Wednesday morning.
The deal was all agreed ahead of Tuesday night’s transfer deadline but he was on international duty with the Netherlands.
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That will take Pep’s spending to around £107m in the first part of the summer transfer window.
Cherki will be part of the Club World Cup squad and said: “This is a dream for me.
“Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special.
“I have worked so hard for this all my life. I love this sport, and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff.
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“Everyone knows how good City are – they have been so successful for many years now. The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace.
“I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future.
“I can’t wait to show City fans what I can do.”
City’s director of football Hugo Viana said: “There’s no doubt that he’s now in the best place possible to develop further under Pep’s guidance .
“I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction.”
It was a busy day at the Etihad Campus on Tuesday as City prepare to fly to Miami on Thursday to begin their preparations for the Club World Cup.
As well as Cherki, their new third-choice keeper Bettinelli arrived – joining from Chelsea for a nominal fee.
The 33-year-old will replace Scott Carson, who has left the club after six years.
Meanwhile, City confirmed that Pep Lijnders and James French – who both worked under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – will join Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Lijnders will work as an assistant to the boss following the departure of Juanma Lillo at the end of last season.
Kolo Toure – who won the title with City back in 2012 – will step up from his role with the youth team to assist the senior team in America this month.
Guardiola is due to name his squad to travel to the US once all the players have reported back from international duty.
Tijjani Reijnders will link up with Manchester City after international duty with Holland[/caption]
Marcus Bettinelli replaces Scott Carson as third-choice goalkeeper[/caption]
