Manchester City Confirm Club’s New No. 10 Following Grealish Departure
The Rise of Rayan Cherki
TL;DR
Manchester City has officially confirmed Rayan Cherki as the club’s new No. 10 for the 2025/26 season after Jack Grealish’s loan move to Everton. Cherki, a talented young French playmaker from Lyon, embodies the creative spirit synonymous with the iconic number.
This article dives deep into the significance of the No. 10 jersey at City, Cherki’s profile, how this shifts the squad’s dynamics, and what fans can expect this season.
Cherki Takes Manchester City’s Historic No. 10 Shirt
In a move that signals the dawn of a new creative era at Manchester City, Rayan Cherki will wear the coveted No. 10 jersey for the 2025/26 season. This comes after Jack Grealish, the club’s most expensive signing and previous No. 10, secured a season-long loan move to Everton.
Cherki, a French international, joined City from Lyon on a five-year deal ahead of the season and has already shown flashes of brilliance during the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring in a commanding 6-0 win over Al Ain. His switch from No. 29 to No. 10 is significant—not just symbolically, but as a statement of his creative importance to the team.
Historically, the No. 10 has been a badge of the artist in football, and Manchester City’s lineage of this number is illustrious. Legends like Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, and Shaun Goater have worn it, each bringing their unique flair to the club. Cherki steps into this legacy with the responsibility to craft moments of magic on the pitch.
Who is Rayan Cherki? A Closer Look
Cherki is no ordinary signing. Bursting onto the scene as a prodigious talent at Lyon, he first broke into their senior team as a 16-year-old and amassed 185 appearances by age 21. Known for his remarkable dribbling ability, tactical intelligence, and eye for goal, Cherki recorded 12 goals and 22 assists in 44 games last season alone.
His style aligns well with the creative demands traditionally expected of a No. 10—linking play, unlocking defenses, and producing moments of brilliance. Pep Guardiola, renowned for nurturing technically gifted players, appears poised to develop Cherki’s talent further.
Speaking on his move, Cherki shared, “I have worked so hard for this all my life… The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace.” His ambition and dedication resonate well with City’s winning culture.
Jack Grealish’s Departure: What This Means for City
Jack Grealish’s exit opens a pivotal chapter. Arriving in 2021 for a club-record fee, Grealish celebrated a treble-winning campaign with City but struggled for consistent starts recently under Guardiola’s system. His move to Everton on loan includes an option to buy and frees the iconic No. 10 shirt for a new creative force.
The departure also reflects City’s need to recalibrate the squad, give emerging stars more responsibility, and maintain their competitive edge after a trophyless 2024-25 season. Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence in Cherki’s potential to evolve into a key playmaker, signaling faith in youth and long-term vision.
Impact on Manchester City’s Tactical Setup
The No. 10 role at City has historically been central to their attacking innovation. Cherki’s arrival brings fresh energy to this pivotal position. His dribbling and vision could allow Guardiola to deploy more fluid attacking systems, particularly after losing Kevin De Bruyne, another midfield maestro.
Fans can expect a blend of youth and tactical refinement this season, with Cherki likely rotating alongside other creative midfielders as he adapts to the Premier League’s demands.
What Fans Need to Know: Tickets, Stadium, & Matchday Experience
As the new season kicks off, supporters eager to witness Cherki in the legendary No. 10 shirt can secure tickets for Manchester City’s home games at the Etihad Stadium. Prices vary depending on the match and seat location, typically ranging from £40 to £120 for Premier League fixtures.
You can visit the official ticket site to buy or inquire about season tickets:
manCity.com/tickets
The iconic Etihad Stadium offers a state-of-the-art matchday atmosphere nestled in Manchester, with full accessibility features and excellent transport links. For exact directions and stadium amenities, refer to the following interactive map:
Fan Reactions and Early Reviews on Cherki’s No. 10 Jersey
The announcement of Cherki donning the No. 10 shirt has energized the City fanbase online, with supporters praising his technical skills and viewing him as a long-term creative solution. Early reviews mirror this excitement, reflecting confidence in his ability to follow in the footsteps of City legends.
Fans have noted his agility during preseason and Club World Cup appearances, highlighting his potential to brighten matchdays and contribute goals and assists.
Cherki’s No. 10 Jersey: Pros and Challenges
Pros
- Exceptional technical skill and creative playmaking ability.
- Young talent with potential for growth under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage.
- Fits City’s attacking philosophy of fluid, possession-based football.
- Energetic addition after loss of key midfielders.
- Boosts squad morale and fan engagement.
Challenges
- Adapting to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.
- Filling the shoes of City greats like Grealish and De Bruyne adds pressure.
- Need for tactical consistency in a squad undergoing changes.
- Competition for starting positions among midfielders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Manchester City’s new No. 10?
Rayan Cherki is the new Manchester City No. 10 for the 2025/26 season, following Jack Grealish’s loan move to Everton.
Why did Jack Grealish leave Manchester City?
Grealish was loaned to Everton for the 2025/26 campaign to get more regular playing time after falling down the pecking order at City.
What qualities does Rayan Cherki bring to the team?
Cherki offers exceptional dribbling, creative vision, and an ability to score and assist, fitting the classic profile of a No. 10 playmaker.
Where can I buy Rayan Cherki’s No. 10 jersey?
The official Manchester City store offers Cherki’s No. 10 shirt for purchase on their website and at the Etihad Stadium retail outlets.
How can I attend a Manchester City match this season?
Tickets are available through Manchester City’s official ticketing site. Early booking is advised due to high demand.
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