Manchester City are on the verge of securing the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri in a £34 million transfer, marking Pep Guardiola’s second move in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old Algerian international is set to become a key piece in Guardiola’s evolving blueprint as City prepare for a fresh title assault and global ambitions at the FIFA Club World Cup.
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City Accelerate Deal to Beat Club World Cup Deadline
With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup looming large, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have ramped up their transfer business. Talks with Wolves have progressed swiftly over the past few days, with reports suggesting the final agreement is now imminent. Transfer insider Ben Jacobs confirmed that both clubs are ironing out the final details, with a medical reportedly scheduled for Saturday.
City’s intent to wrap up the deal by June 10 is deliberate. According to reports, Guardiola wants Ait-Nouri integrated early to feature in the Club World Cup preparations. “The idea for Pep Guardiola is to take Ait-Nouri to the Club World Cup,” sources close to the negotiations revealed.
Ait-Nouri’s Impressive Rise at Molineux
Ait-Nouri has been a mainstay at Wolves since joining from Angers in 2020, initially on loan before making the move permanent. Over the course of five seasons, the attacking left-back amassed 157 appearances, netting 12 goals and providing 18 assists. His versatility as both a full-back and wing-back made him a tactical asset in the Premier League.
The 2023–24 season was arguably his best, as he featured in 38 matches across all competitions. He registered four goals and laid on seven assists—highlighting his increasing attacking influence from the left side of defence. This consistent output has now earned him a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Guardiola Reinvents City’s Flanks
The loss of the Premier League crown to Liverpool last season—ending City’s streak of four straight titles—has prompted Guardiola to recalibrate his squad. January saw significant investment, and the momentum has carried into the summer.
With Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders already confirmed as a new arrival from AC Milan, Ait-Nouri becomes the second major acquisition. Guardiola is clearly focused on rejuvenating his side with energy, athleticism, and tactical flexibility.
Fabrizio Romano has already declared that the deal is sealed, stating that “the 23-year-old Algeria international will undergo a medical on Saturday.”
What Ait-Nouri Brings to the Etihad
Ait-Nouri’s profile fits perfectly into Guardiola’s tactical framework. His ability to operate high up the pitch, link with midfielders, and cover ground defensively mirrors the modern demands placed on full-backs.
More than just a traditional defender, Ait-Nouri has a reputation for making overlapping runs, delivering accurate crosses, and contributing in transitional phases. His Premier League experience ensures he won’t need a lengthy adjustment period, and at only 23, he still has room for further development under Guardiola’s guidance.
He will provide stiff competition for Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Aké in the left-back slot, giving Guardiola multiple combinations to experiment with next season.
Read More: Manchester United Make First Bid Worth Up to £55m for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as Talks Continue
FAQs
How much will Manchester City pay for Rayan Ait-Nouri?
Manchester City are expected to pay around £34–35 million to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves.
Why are Manchester City signing Ait-Nouri now?
City want to finalize the transfer before June 10 so that Ait-Nouri can feature in their Club World Cup squad.
What position does Rayan Ait-Nouri play?
Ait-Nouri is a versatile left-back who can also operate as a wing-back, offering tactical flexibility.
How has Ait-Nouri performed at Wolves?
He made 157 appearances for Wolves, scoring 12 goals and providing 18 assists over five seasons.
Who else have Manchester City signed this summer?
Manchester City have also secured Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan.
