Manchester City’s summer signing Rayan Cherki could become the perfect provider for Erling Haaland as the club looks to reshape its attack following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure.
Manchester City may have found the perfect solution to unlock deep defensive blocks in Rayan Cherki. The French international, signed from Olympique Lyon, is already making headlines for his potential to transform City’s attacking play — and no one stands to benefit more than Erling Haaland.
In an interview with the official City Magazine, Cherki expressed his eagerness to link up with the Norwegian forward, hinting at a promising new partnership that could define City’s offensive threat in the upcoming season.
“Of course! We know that when I’m in the zone, I don’t hold back,” Cherki said.
“I’m excited to help him [Haaland] score even more goals because I’m confident he’ll finish when I deliver the passes.”
“I’m also impatient to play my first game at the Etihad, in front of our fans and with my new teammates,” he added.
Creative Spark Meets Clinical Finisher
Cherki’s arrival brings flair, vision, and elite playmaking ability to Pep Guardiola’s side. Renowned for his ability to pick out key passes, Cherki has consistently ranked among Europe’s most creative talents for his age. Last season marked a significant step up in his development, showcasing his ability to influence games in the final third.
With Kevin De Bruyne’s exit leaving a creative gap in City’s midfield, Cherki is being tipped to help fill the void — particularly in supplying the kind of service Haaland thrives on. While Haaland’s scoring instincts are unmatched, even the most lethal striker needs quality delivery. In De Bruyne, Haaland had a world-class supplier. In Cherki, he may have found the next one.
A Partnership in the Making
Though Cherki won’t be the only creative outlet in City’s side, he has the potential to form a devastating partnership with Haaland. The success of City’s season could hinge on how quickly the two develop chemistry on the pitch.
With his incisive passing and ability to break down low blocks, Cherki offers a different style to De Bruyne — but one that could prove equally effective. If Cherki adapts quickly to Guardiola’s system and builds an understanding with Haaland, City fans could witness the birth of a new dynamic duo.
A Duo That Could Define City’s 2025/26 Season
Erling Haaland remains the most prolific striker in world football, and Manchester City’s ambitions will once again rest heavily on his goal tally. In Cherki, Guardiola has added one of Europe’s brightest creative minds — a player capable of supplying the bullets Haaland needs to fire.
If their early connection develops as hoped, Cherki and Haaland could become one of the most feared partnerships in both the Premier League and Champions League.