Man City’s Rayan Cherki Stuns Premier League Rivals in Secret Trial
Rayan Cherki, a rising star at Manchester City, once participated in a discreet trial with Chelsea but chose to decline their offer. The revelation comes from Miles Leaburn, a current Charlton striker who was also part of that trial. Leaburn noted the extraordinary talent Cherki displayed, which made him feel that the level of competition at Chelsea was insufficient.
Secret Trial at Chelsea
In 2015, a young Rayan Cherki, only 12 years old at the time, caught the attention of Chelsea during a trial at their Cobham training ground. Initially a player for Lyon, Cherki arrived in West London without his club’s knowledge, showcasing remarkable skill and flair that impressed everyone present.
- Age at trial: 12 years old
- Year of trial: 2015
- Clubs involved: Chelsea and Lyon
Impressive Skills on Display
According to Leaburn, Cherki’s ability to perform complex tricks during training sessions set him apart from his peers. He stated, “He was rainbow flicking guys in training,” expressing admiration for Cherki’s standout performance. This extraordinary skill led Cherki to believe that competing at Chelsea would be too easy.
Cherki’s Career Progression
After opting to remain with Lyon, Cherki made a significant impact, amassing 146 appearances for the club. In the summer, he made a high-profile transfer to Manchester City for £32 million. Since joining, he has made 22 appearances across all competitions and earned two caps for the French national team.
FA Cup Clash Ahead
Leaburn, the son of Charlton legend Carl, now plays for Charlton Athletic. Having been released by Chelsea at the age of 16, he has since contributed to Charlton’s promotion from League One and has become a regular starter in the Championship. His team is set to face Chelsea in the upcoming FA Cup match at The Valley.
Reflections on His Chelsea Experience
Leaburn recalls how Chelsea made efforts to attract him to their club by introducing him to former stars. He shared his memories of meeting players like John Terry, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard during his early days with the team. These encounters left a lasting impression on him, shaping his understanding of the football industry and his aspirations for the future.
