‘Wolves eye Ait-Nouri replacement as Vitor Pereira identifies his man’
Wolves are in the market for a new left-back after selling Rayan Ait-Nouri to Premier League title hopefuls Manchester City.
The Algeria international has proven his credentials in the top flight for Wolves, making over 150 appearances for the West Midlands club.
Ait-Nouri’s performances in the 2024/25 Premier League season were particularly eye-catching, as he notched four goals and seven assists.
Meanwhile, this summer’s first transfer window comes to a close at 7pm on Tuesday, 10 June, as Vitor Pereira eyes his Ait-Nouri replacement.
Hugo Bueno set for Wolves role as Ait-Nouri joins Man City
While Ait-Nouri was shining in the Premier League for Wolves ahead of his move to the Etihad Stadium, fellow left-back Hugo Bueno spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Dutch Eredivisie giants Feyenoord.
But the Algeria international’s exit has now paved the way for Bueno to enjoy more game time under Pereira next term.
Writing on the BBC Sport live transfer blog [10 June, 10.25am], Nick Mashiter revealed: “With left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri joining Manchester City for £31million, attention at Wolves turns to replacements. They are in the market for a left-back, and Hugo Bueno will return from his loan at Feyenoord to compete for the spot. The 22-year-old played 29 times, including in the Champions League, as Feyenoord finished third in the Eredivisie.
“Pereira is a fan, so expect Bueno, who has been at the club for five years, back at Molineux next season, while Wolves will also look for another left-back for competition.”
Wolves agree deal to sell winger Chem Campbell
Pereira and Wolves face a vital summer of recruitment after selling star men Matheus Cunha and Ait-Nouri to Man United and Man City, respectively.
| Rayan Ait-Nouri stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 7 |
Ait-Nouri proved to be an important asset for the Molineux club both in an attacking and defensive sense, as Cunha’s goals helped Pereira’s men avoid a serious scramble against relegation.
The Brazil international notched a strong return of 15 goals and six assists in 33 Premier League outings in 2024/25, and is now tasked with helping Man United in their quest to restore former glories.
But while Pereira looks to replace both Cunha and Ait-Nouri, the West Midlands side are still likely to facilitate more player exits this summer.
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Wolves have agreed to sell Chem Campbell to Stevenage, after the winger spent the 2024/25 season on loan with Reading.
The 22-year-old scored seven goals and four assists across all competitions for the Royals and will now hope to help Stevenage further stabilise in League One.