Alious
Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing for another high-profile departure as star left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri edges closer to a sensational switch to Manchester City. The Algerian international is undergoing a medical this weekend and has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions.
The transfer fee has been a topic of debate, with initial reports suggesting City will pay £33.7 million for the 24-year-old, though some sources claim the final figure could surpass £40 million. Either way, the deal represents a major piece of business for both clubs, with Ait-Nouri set to be officially unveiled as a City player in the coming days.
Ait-Nouri’s exit will be a major blow for Wolves, especially coming on the heels of Matheus Cunha’s recent move to Manchester United. Combined, the duo accounted for 32 goal involvements in the previous campaign—highlighting just how much attacking firepower Wolves are losing this summer.
One figure who believes Manchester City are making a smart investment is Micah Richards. The former right-back and current pundit spoke glowingly of Ait-Nouri on *The Rest Is Football* podcast, offering a confident prediction of the impact he could have at the Etihad.
**Micah Richards: Ait-Nouri Offers a Unique Threat on the Left**
Richards described Ait-Nouri as one of the most exciting full-backs in the Premier League, particularly impressed by his ability to break down defences with skill and composure on the ball. While acknowledging that the Algerian’s defensive attributes are not his strongest suit, Richards noted his pace and recovery ability make him a manageable risk in City’s high-possession, high-press system.
“I’ve been a fan of Ait-Nouri for years,” Richards said. “He’s brilliant in possession, glides past players, and can open up teams just with his dribbling. Defensively he’s not elite, but he’s fast enough to recover, especially in City’s system where they dominate the ball. I think he adds something genuinely special to that left side.”
Richards also acknowledged the competition Ait-Nouri will face for minutes in Guardiola’s squad, particularly from Josko Gvardiol, who was a standout performer for City last season despite primarily playing out of position as a left-back. With players like John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake returning to full fitness, Richards speculated that Gvardiol might shift centrally, creating more room for Ait-Nouri to make his mark.
**Ready for the Big Stage**
What sets Ait-Nouri apart, Richards suggested, is his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. His performances against top-tier opposition have shown he doesn’t shrink under the spotlight. Known for his fearless forward runs, close control, and knack for finding space in attacking areas, Ait-Nouri has already proven himself capable of standing out against elite clubs.
This is precisely the kind of quality Guardiola values in a full-back—one who can not only stretch the play but also create chances and destabilize compact defensive lines. Ait-Nouri’s 2024/25 campaign was evidence of that, as he led all Premier League defenders in combined goals and assists, finishing ahead of the likes of Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and even Trent Alexander-Arnold.
**The Verdict: An Evolution of City’s Left Flank**
City’s January interest in Ait-Nouri had already hinted at how long he has been on the club’s radar. Now that a deal is nearly complete, the Algerian appears poised to take the next step in his career under the guidance of Pep Guardiola—arguably the best coach in the world when it comes to refining technical talent.
While the transition from a mid-table side to a title-chasing juggernaut is never without its pressures, Ait-Nouri’s mentality and big-game composure suggest he’s ready to embrace the challenge. If he adapts quickly to City’s system, he could well become a standout figure in their next phase of dominance.
For Wolves, his departure marks the end of an era. For Manchester City, it could be the beginning of something exceptional.
Alious
