Manchester City are on the verge of securing a significant signing this summer, with reports confirming that the club is close to finalizing a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers' left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri. The 23-year-old Algerian international is expected to complete his transfer to the Etihad Stadium after undergoing a medical this weekend, marking a major step in City's summer transfer business ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Sources including Fabrizio Romano and John Percy have revealed that Manchester City and Wolves have reached a club-to-club agreement for a fee close to €40 million (£33-35 million), a figure notably lower than some early expectations. This deal, which is likely to include performance-related add-ons, represents a substantial investment for City as they look to bolster their defensive options.
Aït-Nouri's journey to this point has been marked by steady progression and impressive performances. Initially joining Wolves on loan from French side Angers in 2020, he made the move permanent in 2021 for €11.5 million. Since then, he has become a key figure for the West Midlands club, racking up 157 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and providing 19 assists across all competitions. His attacking prowess down the left flank has made him one of the Premier League's most exciting full-backs, with his pace, dribbling, and creativity catching the eye of Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff.
Despite Wolves' valuation initially being questioned by some pundits and supporters, especially given the player's contract situation—with one year remaining and an option for a further year held by Wolves—the deal appears to be a win for Manchester City. John Percy of The Telegraph described the fee as "ridiculously low" and a "strange decision" by Wolves, highlighting the potential value City are getting in the transfer market.
Adding complexity to the transfer is a sell-on clause involving Angers, Aït-Nouri's original club, which entitles them to 50 percent of the transfer fee, capped at €11.5 million. Wolves are expected to trigger a buyout option for this clause, paying around £9 million to Angers before completing the move to City.
The timing of the transfer is crucial for Manchester City, as the club prepares to travel to the United States for their FIFA Club World Cup campaign. City are set to fly to their training base in Florida next week ahead of their first group game against Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18, 2025. The club is eager to have Aït-Nouri available for selection in this tournament, emphasizing the importance of completing the deal promptly. He was permitted to leave Algeria's national team camp, missing their friendly against Rwanda on June 5, 2025, to undergo medical examinations and finalize the transfer.
Rayan Aït-Nouri himself has remained focused on his international duties during this period. When asked about the transfer speculation while preparing for Algeria's friendly matches, he stated, "No, for now I am concentrating on Algeria national team, the important thing is the two next matches, we will see how it goes, honestly, I do not know at all, we will see, the most important thing is the two matches which we played with the national team, I am concentrating on that, we will see." He also acknowledged Pep Guardiola's reputation, saying, "Yes, everyone knows that he is a great coach, after that, I said the most important thing is to concentrate on the national team."
Manchester City's pursuit of Aït-Nouri fits into a broader strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. The club has been on the lookout for a specialist left-back since the departure of Joao Cancelo in 2022. While Josko Gvardiol has filled in at left-back, his natural position is center-back, and academy graduate Nico O’Reilly, primarily a No. 10, has also been deployed there. Guardiola is keen to add players ready to compete in the Premier League from the outset, and Aït-Nouri's attacking style and Premier League experience make him an ideal candidate.
Alongside Aït-Nouri, Manchester City has already secured the signing of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for an initial fee of €55-57 million, potentially rising to €70 million with bonuses. Reijnders is also due to undergo a medical this weekend. City's next target is Lyon's attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, viewed as a future successor to Kevin De Bruyne in the No. 10 role. City have launched an opening bid for Cherki, who has scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists for Lyon this season, but the French club has reportedly asked for nearly double the initial offer.
While City moves swiftly in the transfer market, Wolves face a summer of upheaval. Aït-Nouri's impending departure follows the high-profile sale of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United for £62.5 million. These exits signal a major squad overhaul for head coach Vitor Pereira, who must navigate the challenge of replacing key players amid contract uncertainties, including that of club captain Nelson Semedo.
The transfer window, which opened on June 1 and runs until June 10 before reopening on June 16 until September 1, is already shaping up to be a busy period. Manchester City's aggressive approach, following a £200 million spending spree in January that included the £59 million signing of striker Omar Marmoush, shows their intent to remain at the summit of English and European football.
As the transfer saga nears its conclusion, Manchester City fans can look forward to the arrival of a dynamic and talented left-back in Rayan Aït-Nouri. His blend of youth, Premier League experience, and attacking flair fits perfectly with Guardiola's vision of football, promising an exciting chapter for both player and club as they prepare to challenge for silverware in the coming season.
