In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City has reportedly made a bold move to bolster their squad for the 2025/26 season by demanding that Olympique Lyonnais hand over their young star, Rayan Cherki, unconditionally to replace the aging Kevin De Bruyne. The request, made in late May 2025, came as City looks to reinforce their midfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup 2025. However, Lyon president John Textor delivered a stunning nine-word rebuttal that left Manchester City red-faced and the football world buzzing.
De Bruyne, now 34, has been a cornerstone of Manchester City’s success under Pep Guardiola, but his recent performances have shown signs of decline, exacerbated by injuries. With his contract nearing its end and no clear successor in sight, City turned their attention to Cherki, the 21-year-old French prodigy known for his dribbling skills and vision. Cherki’s standout performances in Ligue 1, including 7 goals and 10 assists in the 2024/25 season, made him a prime target for the Premier League champions. Sources close to the club revealed that City’s offer included no transfer fee, leveraging their financial muscle and prestige to demand an immediate transfer.
The move was seen as a power play by City, who are eager to maintain their dominance despite a trophyless 2024/25 campaign. However, Lyon’s response was swift and cutting. On May 28, 2025, at 02:35 PM +07, Textor took to X to address the demand, posting, “Cherki is not for sale, respect our club.” The nine-word statement, concise yet firm, underlined Lyon’s resolve to retain their talent and sent a clear message to Manchester City that they wouldn’t be bullied. The reply went viral, with fans and analysts praising Textor’s defiance, while City’s management was left scrambling to save face.
Textor, who took over as Lyon president in May 2023, has been vocal about protecting the club’s future. In a follow-up interview with French outlet L’Equipe, he elaborated, “We’ve invested in Cherki since he was a boy. He’s the heart of our project, and we won’t let him go for free or under pressure.” This stance reflects Lyon’s strategy to build around their academy graduates, with Cherki seen as a potential successor to the club’s golden era under Jean-Michel Aulas. The rejection also highlighted the growing tension between top clubs and those resisting the financial dominance of the Premier League’s elite.
Manchester City, meanwhile, faces a dilemma. With Rodri returning from injury and Phil Foden stepping up, the midfield has options, but De Bruyne’s eventual departure leaves a creative void. Cherki’s versatility could have been ideal, but Guardiola’s team now must explore other targets, with names like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala being floated as alternatives. On
The incident has sparked wider debates about transfer ethics in football. Critics argue that City’s unconditional demand was an overreach, while others see it as a sign of their desperation to stay competitive. For Lyon, the moment has boosted their morale, especially after a solid 2024/25 season that saw them finish mid-table but with Cherki shining brightly. As of now, Manchester City has not issued an official response, but the embarrassment is palpable.
This clash of titans—Manchester City’s financial might versus Lyon’s pride—has left the football world talking. Textor’s nine words have not only protected Cherki but also cemented his reputation as a president unafraid to stand up to the giants.