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Man City Target Reijnders and Cherki as Transfer Push Begins Before Club World Cup

Manchester City are beginning to move with intent as the transfer window opens early ahead of the Club World Cup. Sky Sports report that talks are being held for the signing of AC Milan midfielder Tijani Reijnders, while the club is also preparing an opening offer for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.

It is a signal of purpose from the Premier League champions. With Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirming that City aim to make early additions, focus has turned to technical, ball-playing midfielders capable of adding flair and continuity in a season expected to be more congested than ever.

Photo: IMAGO

Reijnders the First Priority

Reijnders, 25, enjoyed a strong debut season at Milan and fits the mould of a Guardiola-style midfielder — intelligent, metronomic, and comfortable progressing the ball in tight spaces. Reports indicate that City are trying to seal a deal for Reijnders before the end of the brief summer window from June 1 to June 10, designed to accommodate transfers ahead of the Club World Cup in the USA.

This move is more than tactical — it’s logistical. With a mid-summer international tournament looming, early acquisitions will ensure City’s new arrivals are fully integrated before competitive action begins. And in a squad that thrives on automatisms and tempo, those extra weeks of training could be decisive.

Cherki Identified as Next

While Reijnders is a midfielder known for structure and balance, Rayan Cherki offers chaos and creativity. Still just 20, the Lyon playmaker has confirmed he is leaving the Ligue 1 club, and Fabrizio Romano reports he is available at around £20m, a modest sum in today’s market.

As Sky Sports notes, “City are planning to move on to Cherki after trying to seal a deal for Reijnders.” That’s a clear indicator of the club’s structured approach, addressing the deeper midfield zone first before adding flair in advanced areas.

Cherki’s profile, capable of playing as a No. 10 or inverted wide forward, makes him an appealing option in a system where positional flexibility is vital. Guardiola has historically favoured players who can read patterns rather than just run through them, and Cherki’s vision could blossom under such a framework.

Photo: IMAGO

Club World Cup Deadline Drives Strategy

This early activity reflects City’s intention to have their key business wrapped up by June 10, giving the squad time to reset and recharge. It’s a critical period of transition, with senior figures like Kevin De Bruyne potentially nearing the end of their peak and a younger core ready to take more responsibility.

While fans often expect marquee signings, this feels more like a refresh than a revolution; plugging gaps, adding depth, and fine-tuning a squad already stacked with talent.

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This is exactly how City like to do business — quietly, precisely, and ahead of the curve. Reijnders might not be a blockbuster name, but he looks the part: press-resistant, technically sharp, and disciplined. In Guardiola’s system, that counts for more than flashy highlight reels.

And Cherki? That’s a gamble worth taking. At £20m, he’s a low-risk, high-upside option. We’ve seen what happens when young creatives are given structure and coaching at City, just look at Phil Foden’s development. Cherki may not start every week, but he could be the type of game-changer we’ll need in tighter matches.

The real positive here is timing. Getting deals done before the Club World Cup gives us a massive advantage. New signings can settle, learn the system, and hit the ground running. In a season that could stretch us in every direction, having that edge is vital.

If we land Reijnders and Cherki before June 10, it sets the tone perfectly for another season of excellence. Subtle improvements, done early, often make all the difference.