Wolves make ‘strange decision’ in Man City Rayan Ait-Nouri discussions: ‘Ridiculous’
Wolves have been questioned over their transfer valuation of Rayan Ait-Nouri, as Manchester City close in on signing the full-back.
The Algeria international has enjoyed a successful Premier League campaign for the West Midlands club, notching four goals and seven assists in the top flight.
Meanwhile, the Etihad Stadium side are keen on enjoying a strong transfer window as Pep Guardiola’s men look to revitalise their title credentials.
Man City are closing in on Rayan Cherki, who has scored 12 goals and created 20 assists for Lyon this term, while Ait-Nouri would add further quality to their ranks.
Wolves dubbed ‘ridiculous’ as £35m Ait-Nouri update surfaces
Ait-Nouri has established himself as a key player at Wolves since joining from Angers permanently during the summer of 2021.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph’s John Percy revealed via X [5 June]: “Manchester City are close to agreeing a £35m fee with Wolves for Rayan Ait-Nouri.
“Negotiations are not fully completed yet, but transfer will happen. Deal likely to include add-ons.
“Ait-Nouri has one year left on his Wolves contract, with the club holding an option for a further year, but that fee is ridiculously low. Great deal for City, but a strange decision by Wolves.”
The 23-year-old’s most recent goal contribution for Vitor Pereira’s men came when he created an assist in a 3-0 win over Leicester City on 26 April.
Football Insider verdict
Wolves will find it hard to replace Ait-Nouri
The Algeria international has established himself as one of the best attacking fullbacks in the Premier League, while at the age of 23, he still boasts plenty of potential.
| Rayan Ait-Nouri stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 7 |
That potential will be in safe hands under Guardiola, who has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the best football managers in modern times.
As alluded to by Percy, Wolves, perhaps, could have received a greater fee for such a talented player who has already shown his class in the Premier League.
Once he signs for Man City, Ait-Nouri will be surrounded by world-class talents such as Erling Haaland and Rodri, who could help the former Angers man reach a new level.
But even though Wolves established a rich vein of form under Pereira, who steered them well clear of relegation trouble, sourcing a capable replacement for Ait-Nouri could prove to be a tough task for a side who have not landed a top-half spot in the Premier League since 2022.