Fabrizio Romano names Premier League signing of the summer – and it’s not who you expect

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 17 Aug 2025 15:00 BST
  • 4 min read
Fabrizio Romano, transfer news
© IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has named the Premier League star that he believes will be the “bargain of the summer”.

Tweeting after the first round of Saturday fixtures, Romano declared that he is most excited by one of Manchester City’s new additions.

Article continues under the video

Tijjani Reijnders caught the eye for Pep Guardiola’s side as he played a starring role in a 4-0 demolition of Wolves, yet it was Rayan Cherki that the transfer reporter singled out for praise as the one-sided victory.

Current ETV
Player image Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki

M (CR), AM (C)

Man City logo

Man City

Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki

M (CR), AM (C)

Man City

Man City

€54.5M

ETV Range

€49.1M - €60M

“Rayan Cherki for €35m plus €6m add-ons is the bargain of the summer. What a signing!” Romano wrote on Threads.

Cherki was only given a few minutes to shine on what was his Man City debut but gave a strong account of himself.

In the closing stages of the game, the former Lyon player found room on the edge of the box and marked his Premier League bow with an accurate shot into the corner of the net. Previously, he had come close to giving Reijnders an assist.

Guardiola’s Cherki verdict

Unsurprisingly, manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for both his new arrivals, echoing the sentiments of Romano.

Speaking after the game to the media, he commented: “Tijji gives us something…you miss it, having incredible pace to the box and the talent from Cherki is unbelievable, the small spaces, the creativity, the final third is extraordinary and sometimes in certain games, we’ll need him.

“All of our new signings were impressive. Tijjani was one of the best players in Serie A, he has an unbelievable rhythm.”

We have to reduce the squad because it will be difficult to sustain the vibe of the team.
- Pep Guardiola

Guardiola also confirmed that more transfer business will be done before Deadline Day, specifically stating that sales need to be made.

“I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions, but I don't want to leave players at home. It's not healthy. You cannot create a good vibe or atmosphere to compete.

“The club has known about it since last season, but the situation is what it is. In the next two weeks, people will talk with players and agents to find a solution. We have to reduce the squad because it will be difficult to sustain the vibe of the team.”

Romano has revealed that City are likely to sell Ederson to Galatasaray, while Savinho could also move to Tottenham Hotspur, with a €100 million man lined up to replace him.

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