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Manchester City have reached a formal agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Algerian left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri in a deal initially valued at £31 million, with performance-based add-ons potentially pushing the total package to £36.3 million. The Premier League champions are now racing against time to finalise the transfer and complete the player’s medical before the Club World Cup squad registration deadline of 7pm on Tuesday.
Deal Nearing Completion as Personal Terms Await
With the two clubs having settled on a transfer fee, Aït-Nouri has been given the green light to negotiate personal terms and undergo a medical assessment. City are optimistic that the entire process — including paperwork — will be completed in time to make the 23-year-old eligible for their Club World Cup campaign.
Aït-Nouri’s Journey From Angers to the Etihad
Aït-Nouri initially joined Wolves in 2020 from French club Angers, where his talent caught the attention of scouts across Europe. Since arriving in the Premier League, he has evolved into one of the division’s most technically gifted full-backs. Over four seasons, he’s made 157 appearances in all competitions, contributing 12 goals and 19 assists. His recent campaign was his most impressive yet, starting 37 out of 38 league matches and notching four goals and six assists — all from open play.
As part of the transfer agreement, Angers stand to receive approximately £9.7 million from the sale due to a 50% sell-on clause included in his original deal.
International Focus But Praise for Guardiola
Speaking while on international duty with Algeria, Aït-Nouri played down speculation about his future, insisting his focus was on the national team’s fixtures. “Right now, my focus is on the two matches with Algeria. We’ll see what happens later,” he said. However, when asked about working under Pep Guardiola, he acknowledged: “Yes, everyone knows he’s a fantastic coach, but for the moment I’m concentrating on the national team.”
Why City See Aït-Nouri as a Perfect Fit
According to analysis by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate and insights from former Wolves assistant Edu Rubio, Aït-Nouri’s technical flair, positional intelligence, and ability to carry the ball from deep make him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system. Known for his creativity and confidence in possession, the Algerian often dazzles with signature moves like stepovers and dragbacks — attributes that suit City’s demanding style.
Despite a challenging season for Wolves, Aït-Nouri’s development has remained on an upward trajectory. His durability and consistent performances have elevated his profile and made him a standout target for elite clubs.
Next Steps
With the medical and contract terms expected to be resolved soon, Aït-Nouri could be unveiled as a Manchester City player before the Club World Cup roster deadline. Should the deal be completed in time, he could feature in the global tournament — a swift transition into one of football’s most star-studded squads.
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