A new era may be quietly taking shape at the Etihad Stadium. Earlier today, Manchester City officially announced that new signing Rayan Cherki will don the prestigious number 10 jersey for the 2025/26 season—a symbolic move that speaks volumes about the club’s belief in the young Frenchman.
Often reserved for the team’s most creative and influential player, the number 10 shirt at City carries historic weight. From Sergio Agüero’s legendary legacy to the recent brilliance of Jack Grealish, it’s a number that demands flair, responsibility, and star power.
👀 Pep’s Eye for Talent
In an intriguing development, sources close to the club reveal that Pep Guardiola has taken a particular interest in Cherki, viewing him as more than just a signing—but potentially a personal project.
Club insiders say Guardiola sees echoes of Riyad Mahrez’s unpredictability, David Silva’s technique, and Phil Foden’s spatial intelligence in Cherki’s game. With such a unique skillset—blistering dribbling, vision in tight spaces, and ambidextrous creativity—the 21-year-old could be molded into City’s next attacking magician.
🧠 From Lyon Prodigy to Etihad Wonderkid
Cherki arrived from Olympique Lyonnais this summer in a deal that raised eyebrows across Europe. Though once seen as a prodigy in France, his progress plateaued due to managerial instability and inconsistent opportunities.
Now, at City, with a system designed to unlock positional excellence and decision-making, Cherki finds himself in the perfect environment to evolve from talent to terror.
“Giving him the No. 10 shirt is no accident. Pep has plans for him,” a club source shared. “He wants to develop him slowly, but he’s seen flashes in training that are already turning heads.”
🔄 A Changing of the Guard?
As City transitions into a slightly younger core—with veterans like Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne entering the twilight of their careers—Cherki could be a central figure in the club’s future creative engine.
Whether operating as a false nine, a floating 10, or an inverted winger, the tactical versatility Cherki offers fits seamlessly with Guardiola’s ever-evolving blueprint.
🔮 What Comes Next?
Cherki’s pre-season performances have reportedly impressed the coaching staff, and while he may not start every match early on, the belief is that he’ll be integrated methodically—with specific roles in domestic cups, Champions League group stages, and late-game situations.
If Pep Guardiola truly sees Rayan Cherki as his “pet project,” football fans may be about to witness one of the most exciting individual evolutions in recent Premier League memory.
