Miles Leaburn, a former Chelsea academy player, says that Rayan Cherki turned down a move to Chelsea after having a secret trial there without Lyon’s knowledge. Instead, the French attacking player has moved to Manchester City, where he plays for Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
Leaburn, who now plays in the EFL, told The Sun the shocking story. He said that Cherki came to Chelsea’s academy for a trial that his parent club Lyon had no idea about. The young Frenchman ultimately decided not to join the Blues because he thought the challenge was “too easy.” This bold statement has come up again since he made the big move to City.
Leaburn said:
“He was miles better than anyone else – absolute quality. That was one of the standout moments of the eight years or so I spent at Chelsea. I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is incredible.’ He honestly rejected playing for Chelsea because he probably found it too easy!”
For a long time, many have seen Cherki as one of the best young players in French football. He joined Lyon’s first team as a teenager, and for the past few years, top clubs all over Europe have been interested in him. His technical skills and creativity made him a sought-after player, but it took longer than most people thought for him to join a top club. Instead of Stamford Bridge, the playmaker now develops under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, who are having a rough time in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s Possible Deals This January
Chelsea are still making moves in the January transfer window as Liam Rosenior tries to make his team stronger for the second half of the season. The Blues have been linked to a number of players in different positions, but it looks like they are most interested in adding players to their defence.
The west London club’s recruitment team are still looking for young talent all over Europe, sticking to the transfer strategy that has worked for them in the past. Reports say Chelsea are looking to add depth to their squad, especially since they have to play in multiple competitions.
We’ll have to wait and see if any big deals happen before the window closes, but Chelsea have shown that they are willing to act quickly when they see an opportunity this transfer cycle. The club’s leaders will want to ensure that Rosenior has everything he needs to qualify for the Champions League.
