The Nations League semifinal between Spain and France turned into a celebration of football.
We're talking about the kind made of talent, personality, and clear-headed madness. On one side, Yamal, Nico Williams, and Pedri gifted victory to La Roja; on the other, Mbappé and the European champions Doué and Dembélé paid tribute to this magnificent sport. But the magic was brought by a debutant: Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
For fans looking to extend the entertainment off the pitch, via Stay Casino login australia, you can enjoy a seamless and secure gaming experience filled with exciting casino games and generous bonuses. Stay Casino offers a user-friendly platform with a 5000 AUD + 350 FS welcome bonus, making it a perfect way to have fun as the football season is over and possibly strike gold while at it. The platform ensures a safe login process, and lets you dive into premium entertainment with ease.
Rayan Cherki is a star in the making
In the 63rd minute, with the score at 4–1 for Spain, French coach Deschamps decided to throw the debutant Cherki into the fray in place of an uninspired Doué. Four minutes later, the Spaniards got their fifth goal with Yamal, but then Rayan took center stage with his crystal-clear class. Sole touches, caresses as smooth as chocolate mousse, one-on-one duels attempted and won in a loop. In the 79th minute came the splendid goal that reopened the match: served on the edge of the box by Mbappé, Cherki lifted the ball with his left foot and then volleyed it with his right, to the far post, leaving Unai Simón able only to admire the technical gesture and the first goal with France for the 22-year-old Lyon attacking midfielder. Rayan didn’t stop: first he forced Vivian's own goal by delivering a visionary assist to Malo Gusto, then he drew a rainbow pass for Kolo Muani, who only had to head the ball into the net. A night full of magic that hands world football a new star.
Are Milan linked with Cherki?
Cherki’s name has been circulating in the elite circles of football for at least four years, but it’s only in the recently concluded season that the genius lit up with excellent consistency. After all, the numbers speak for themselves: 12 goals and 20 assists for Rayan in the past year across all competitions. But to tell the story of Cherki’s growth, you can’t stop at cold statistical revelations because the player is much more than that. AC Milan’s technical area director, Geoffrey Moncada, knows it well as he’s been following his compatriot since the player took his first steps in Lyon’s youth academy. Two weeks ago, the Milan executive tried to open negotiations with the agents of the 2003-born talent, but it’s already too late: Cherki has pledged himself to Manchester City, as pointed out by those at Calciomercato.com.
Cherki's future is in the Premier League
After weeks of careful reflection, Cherki informed Lyon of his desire to leave the club to pursue a new challenge. The unexpected turning point didn’t go unnoticed among Europe’s top clubs, Milan was just one of the many sides that tried to make a marquee signing. Rayan has already communicated his decision, which goes by the name of Manchester City, with whom he has already reached a broad agreement on the financial terms of the potential move. Guardiola is pushing hard to coach him next season. The English club’s first offer, worth £22 million, was turned down by Lyon, who fully intend to capitalize on the most representative player in their squad. A perfect strategy will be needed, blended with a high dose of patience to move forward in the negotiations, but the feeling is that in the end, the deal will go through, to the joy of Guardiola, and the regrets of a Milan that could have acted just a moment earlier.
