Manchester City Close In on Rayan Ait-Nouri Transfer as Guardiola Targets New Left-Back
Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri set to join Manchester City after impressing Pep Guardiola’s scouts — deal expected before Club World Cup departure.
Manchester City Set to Seal Deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri as Guardiola Eyes Full-Back Reinforcements
Pep Guardiola lines up Wolves star to strengthen his defence ahead of Club World Cup
Manchester City are on the verge of signing Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of the upcoming season.
The 23-year-old has been on City’s radar for over a year, with club scouts keeping close tabs on his progress. After an impressive campaign at Molineux, where he scored five goals and provided seven assists in 41 games, the Premier League champions are now ready to bring him to the Etihad.
Ait-Nouri’s exciting style of play and improved consistency have caught Guardiola’s attention. The Algerian international has gained plenty of experience in the Premier League and is seen as ready for the next big step in his career.
City are hoping to complete the deal quickly, with the squad set to fly to the United States on June 12 for the Club World Cup. Getting the signing over the line before then would give Ait-Nouri time to settle in and possibly feature during the tournament.
The defender currently has one year left on his Wolves contract, but the club holds an option to extend it by another year. However, with City’s interest now formal, Wolves may be willing to cash in.
The move for Ait-Nouri also signals a shift in how Guardiola plans to use Josko Gvardiol next season. The Croatian has filled in at left-back since arriving at the Etihad but is now expected to play more regularly in his natural central defensive role alongside Ruben Dias.
City have also been watching academy graduate Nico O’Reilly, who has impressed while filling in at left-back despite originally coming through the ranks as a midfielder. But with City aiming to compete on multiple fronts again, reinforcements were seen as necessary.
Ait-Nouri’s arrival would provide depth, pace, and attacking flair down the left, giving Guardiola yet another weapon as he reshapes his back line for the 2025 campaign.
With the Club World Cup and a new Premier League season fast approaching, City are wasting no time making key additions to their squad.
