Fabrizio Romano’s growing admiration for Rayan Cherki is no coincidence. The French playmaker has enjoyed a sensational spell at Manchester City, and his performances are now backing up the hype surrounding one of Europe’s most gifted young attackers.
Cherki’s recent Instagram post, liked by Romano himself, summed up the mood perfectly: “70% of the earth is covered in water, rest is with Cherki’s magic.” While playful in tone, the numbers behind the caption tell a serious story. The 21-year-old enjoyed a remarkable month in English football, delivering decisive contributions across multiple competitions.
Cherki registered two assists against Sunderland, followed by an assist versus Crystal Palace, before scoring a crucial goal against Brentford. He then capped off the month with a standout display against Nottingham Forest, contributing one goal and one assist. Those performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award, a major milestone in his young career.
What makes Cherki’s rise even more eye-catching is the context of his transfer. Manchester City secured the attacking midfielder in a deal worth around €35 million, a figure that is already looking like a bargain given his influence and technical quality. His creativity between the lines, close control in tight spaces, and ability to unlock defences have added a new dimension to Pep Guardiola’s attack.