In a remarkable footballing revelation, it has emerged that Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki once underwent a clandestine trial at Chelsea's academy, only to turn down the chance to join the Blues because he reportedly found the challenge insufficient.
The Secret Trial at Cobham
The story has come to light through Charlton Athletic striker Miles Leaburn, who was a youth player at Chelsea at the time. Leaburn has detailed how Cherki, then a youngster with Lyon, arrived for training in west London without his French club's knowledge. According to Leaburn, the Frenchman's talent was immediately and breathtakingly apparent.
"He came over from France and was rainbow flicking guys in training. I was thinking; 'Oh my God, this is incredible'," Leaburn recalled. He went on to suggest that Cherki rejected playing for Chelsea because he probably found it too easy, adding, "He was miles better than anyone else - absolute quality."
From Lyon to the Etihad
Ultimately, Cherki opted to continue his development at Lyon, where he went on to make 146 appearances for the Ligue 1 club. His performances there paved the way for a major £32 million transfer to Manchester City in the summer of 2025.
Since joining Pep Guardiola's squad, the 22-year-old has featured 22 times across all competitions this season. His club form has also translated to the international stage, where he has earned four caps for the French national team. These included a start in a 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine and a substitute appearance in a 3-1 victory against Azerbaijan.
Leaburn's Chelsea Memories
Meanwhile, Miles Leaburn, who was released by Chelsea at 16, shared his own memories of the club's famed academy. He described being introduced as a child to first-team legends like John Terry, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard as part of Chelsea's efforts to secure his signature.
"It was such a cool thing for a young kid to meet top players like that," Leaburn said. "I remember seeing Oscar, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard... It was at those moments you understand the magnitude of what potentially can come in your own career." Leaburn has since forged his own path, helping Charlton gain promotion from League One and establishing himself as a Championship regular.
The tale of Cherki's secret trial offers a fascinating 'what if' for Chelsea fans and underscores the unpredictable journeys of football's brightest talents, whose early decisions can shape the future of the Premier League.
