The last time Manchester City went trophyless under Pep Guardiola was in the 2016/17 season.
After that season, there was a mass exodus at the Etihad as the Spanish boss was rebuilding a team that would dominate English football for more than half a decade.
The same thing is expected this season as Man City went trophyless again.
There was a time in the recently concluded season when Man City were out of the UEFA Champions League qualification race.
However, towards the end of the season, Pep’s men came back to cement their spot in the Champions League next season.
Things are much worse for their neighbours. Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final.
Ruben Amorim’s side will not have European football to offer next season as they finished 16th in the Premier League table.
For a club that is looking to rebuild, it is a huge setback. Most good players these days want to play in Europe.
That is why Manchester United will be behind in any transfer race when they come up against a side that will play in the Champions League.
And, if the club they are competing against is their city rivals, most players will choose the blue side of Manchester. The reason is the recent record of winning trophies.
Manchester United are looking to sign a number of players. And, one of them is Rayan Cherki from Lyon. He is available at a price of around £25 million.
However, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Manchester City has entered the race to sign the Frenchman.
After the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City are looking for a creative player for their midfield. And, Rayan Cherki fits the profile that Pep Guardiola is looking for.
Cherki has played 44 times for Lyon this season. He scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists for the French team.
It will be interesting to see whether City ends up signing the player or not.
Rayan Cherki is not the only player on the shortlist for Man City. According to Fabrizio Romano, they are also looking at Morgan Gibbs-White.
🚨🔵 Manchester City are interested in Rayan Cherki and informed on exit costs details.
He’s on the shortlist with Morgan Gibbs-White also still there, two names highly rated at Man City.
Cherki, one more idea as @TeleFootball reports. pic.twitter.com/UMfAufUKs6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2025
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