As the 2024-25 Premier League season draws to a close, Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola is already plotting a bold move that could redefine the team’s attacking identity for the 2025-26 campaign. With the Citizens securing a third-place finish and a spot in the Champions League, speculation is rife about the future of Jack Grealish, the £100 million star whose No. 10 shirt has become synonymous with flair but also frustration. Grealish’s lackluster season, marked by just seven Premier League starts and his omission from the squad for City’s crucial 2-0 win over Fulham, has fueled talk of an imminent departure. “Of course Jack has to play,” Guardiola admitted, acknowledging the 29-year-old’s need for regular football. “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it—with us or another place.” Enter Rayan Cherki, the 20-year-old Lyon prodigy dubbed a “genius” by former teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who could inherit Grealish’s iconic No. 10 shirt and usher in a new era at the Etihad.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City, which began with a record-breaking transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, has been a rollercoaster. His role in the 2023 treble-winning campaign showcased his ability to dazzle, with his ball-carrying prowess and knack for drawing fouls earning high praise. Yet, recent seasons have seen him sidelined, with only four Premier League goals across the last two years and a snub from England’s Euro 2024 squad. “It’s not personal,” Guardiola insisted, defending his decision to leave Grealish out of key matches, including the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. “I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish.” But with City’s squad deemed too large by Guardiola—who jokingly threatened to “quit” if forced to manage 32 players again—Grealish’s future hangs in the balance. A potential loan move or permanent transfer to clubs like AC Milan or even a return to Aston Villa is on the table, with discussions involving outgoing director Txiki Begiristain and his successor Hugo Viana set for the summer.
Rayan Cherki emerges as the prime candidate to fill Grealish’s boots—and his No. 10 shirt, previously worn by City legends like Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko. The Lyon star, a versatile attacking midfielder, has caught Guardiola’s eye with his technical brilliance and vision, qualities that align perfectly with City’s possession-based philosophy. “He’s able to attract many opponents, has the vision to find his mates,” Guardiola once said of Grealish’s attributes, words that could easily apply to Cherki, whose 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign has seen him shine with four goals and six assists. Unlike Grealish, who has often been deployed as a left winger, Cherki is a natural No. 10, making him an ideal fit for the role. “Cherki could join an esteemed list of names,” noted observers, referencing the legacy of City’s No. 10 shirt, which carries the weight of Aguero’s 260 goals and Dzeko’s cult-hero status.
The potential signing of Cherki signals City’s intent to refresh a squad that failed to win a trophy this season, a rare misstep in Guardiola’s tenure. With Kevin De Bruyne set to depart when his contract expires and youngsters like Claudio Echeverri earning minutes, City are poised for a transitional summer. “New faces will come, especially in positions where we are weaker,” Guardiola hinted, though he downplayed a full rebuild. Cherki’s arrival could complement Phil Foden, who prefers his No. 47, and outshine Oscar Bobb, who may not yet be ready for the No. 10 mantle. The move also aligns with City’s financial muscle, boasting £715 million in revenue, positioning them to outbid rivals like Liverpool, who have also been linked with Cherki.
For Grealish, the writing is on the wall. “His time is up at Man City, he has to leave,” said Alan Shearer, echoing sentiments that Guardiola’s preference for other wingers like Jeremy Doku and Savinho has sealed his fate. Yet, Grealish’s legacy as a treble-winner endures, and his next move—whether to Serie A or back to the Midlands—will be watched closely, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. Meanwhile, Cherki’s potential arrival promises to ignite the Etihad, his flair and youth ready to carry the No. 10 into a new chapter. As Guardiola prepares to celebrate his 500th game in charge, the prospect of molding a “genius” like Cherki ensures City’s ambitions remain sky-high.
# Pep Guardiola Eyes Rayan Cherki for Man City’s No. 10 Shirt
As the 2024-25 Premier League season draws to a close, Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola is already plotting a bold move that could redefine the team’s attacking identity for the 2025-26 campaign. With the Citizens securing a third-place finish and a spot in the Champions League, speculation is rife about the future of Jack Grealish, the £100 million star whose No. 10 shirt has become synonymous with flair but also frustration. Grealish’s lackluster season, marked by just seven Premier League starts and his omission from the squad for City’s crucial 2-0 win over Fulham, has fueled talk of an imminent departure. “Of course Jack has to play,” Guardiola admitted, acknowledging the 29-year-old’s need for regular football. “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it—with us or another place.” Enter Rayan Cherki, the 20-year-old Lyon prodigy dubbed a “genius” by former teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who could inherit Grealish’s iconic No. 10 shirt and usher in a new era at the Etihad.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City, which began with a record-breaking transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, has been a rollercoaster. His role in the 2023 treble-winning campaign showcased his ability to dazzle, with his ball-carrying prowess and knack for drawing fouls earning high praise. Yet, recent seasons have seen him sidelined, with only four Premier League goals across the last two years and a snub from England’s Euro 2024 squad. “It’s not personal,” Guardiola insisted, defending his decision to leave Grealish out of key matches, including the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. “I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish.” But with City’s squad deemed too large by Guardiola—who jokingly threatened to “quit” if forced to manage 32 players again—Grealish’s future hangs in the balance. A potential loan move or permanent transfer to clubs like AC Milan or even a return to Aston Villa is on the table, with discussions involving outgoing director Txiki Begiristain and his successor Hugo Viana set for the summer.
Rayan Cherki emerges as the prime candidate to fill Grealish’s boots—and his No. 10 shirt, previously worn by City legends like Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko. The Lyon star, a versatile attacking midfielder, has caught Guardiola’s eye with his technical brilliance and vision, qualities that align perfectly with City’s possession-based philosophy. “He’s able to attract many opponents, has the vision to find his mates,” Guardiola once said of Grealish’s attributes, words that could easily apply to Cherki, whose 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign has seen him shine with four goals and six assists. Unlike Grealish, who has often been deployed as a left winger, Cherki is a natural No. 10, making him an ideal fit for the role. “Cherki could join an esteemed list of names,” noted observers, referencing the legacy of City’s No. 10 shirt, which carries the weight of Aguero’s 260 goals and Dzeko’s cult-hero status.
The potential signing of Cherki signals City’s intent to refresh a squad that failed to win a trophy this season, a rare misstep in Guardiola’s tenure. With Kevin De Bruyne set to depart when his contract expires and youngsters like Claudio Echeverri earning minutes, City are poised for a transitional summer. “New faces will come, especially in positions where we are weaker,” Guardiola hinted, though he downplayed a full rebuild. Cherki’s arrival could complement Phil Foden, who prefers his No. 47, and outshine Oscar Bobb, who may not yet be ready for the No. 10 mantle. The move also aligns with City’s financial muscle, boasting £715 million in revenue, positioning them to outbid rivals like Liverpool, who have also been linked with Cherki.
For Grealish, the writing is on the wall. “His time is up at Man City, he has to leave,” said Alan Shearer, echoing sentiments that Guardiola’s preference for other wingers like Jeremy Doku and Savinho has sealed his fate. Yet, Grealish’s legacy as a treble-winner endures, and his next move—whether to Serie A or back to the Midlands—will be watched closely, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. Meanwhile, Cherki’s potential arrival promises to ignite the Etihad, his flair and youth ready to carry the No. 10 into a new chapter. As Guardiola prepares to celebrate his 500th game in charge, the prospect of molding a “genius” like Cherki ensures City’s ambitions remain sky-high.
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