Viana's Cherki deal proves shrewder than Wirtz loss

Summarised from Manchester Evening News's report · Updated 13 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

Manchester City's signing of Rayan Cherki from Lyon has proven more successful than missing out on Florin Wirtz to Liverpool.

When Manchester City's top transfer target Florian Wirtz chose to join Liverpool instead around 18 months ago, it felt like a significant blow to the club. Sporting director Hugo Viana responded by pivoting to alternative targets and signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon for just £26m.

Cherki has since proven the shrewder acquisition. In his second season at City, he has recorded 22 goals and assists from 39 Premier League appearances, considerably outpacing Wirtz's nine in the same timeframe. Cherki was among City's key performers in their recent match at Anfield, delivering a 'delightful finish' to create opportunities throughout the game.

Read the report

• Hugo Viana has turned Man City transfer blow into £143m victoryManchester City were reminded at Liverpool of how things could have been even more difficult for themManchester Evening News · 13 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Manchester City · Hugo Viana · Rayan Cherki · Florian Wirtz · Liverpool · Lyon

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