‘Wolves to pay £9million in Rayan Ait-Nouri transfer exit’
Wolves are setting their plans out for all eventualities with the future of full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The Algerian international first made the move to Molineux on loan from French side Angers in October 2020, before signing for the club permanently in the summer of 2021.
He has since become a key player for the Midlands club this season, with Liverpool understood to have shown interest in Ait-Nouri in the lead-up to this season.
Even so, Wolves are making preparations in the event that he is sold in the near future, to ensure they get the most out of the deal from a financial perspective.
Rayan Ait-Nouri clause emerges
According to a report from The Telegraph, the club are planning to offer the full-back a new contract, as they aim to keep the key members of their current squad, backing Vitor Pereira after a strong finish to the season.
It is noted that both Liverpool and Man City have shown an interest in him in the past, although Pep Guardiola’s side are said to have cooled theirs.
Meanwhile, Liverpool apparently favour a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez as they aim to strengthen that side of their defence.
In the meantime it is noted that Wolves are planning to pay an “intriguing” clause to Angers in the event that they do sell the 23-year-old.
| Rayan Ait-Nouri 2024/25 Premier League stats | Total (SofaScore) |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Pass Success Rate | 86% |
| Dribble Success Rate | 55% |
| Duel Success Rate | 53% |
The French side are said to have included a 50% sell-on clause in the £10million deal that took Ait-Nouri to Molineux back in the summer of 2021.
Wolves though can buy their way out of that for £9million, and it is considered a “formality” that they will do so should the full-back be sold.
Regardless of that though the club are apparently confident that the Algerian international will stay where he is and are hopeful that a deal can be secured before pre-season.
Wolves’ clause plan makes a lot of sense
Football Insider Verdict
Serious questions would have to be asked of those in charge at Molineux if the club did not pay this £9million fee in the event Ait-Nouri is sold.
It is stated in this update that Wolves value the left-back at £50million, so a 50% sell-on clause would earn Angers £25million of that fee.
Obviously, if the Premier League side buyout that clause for £9million if Ait-Nouri is sold, it means they will keep a lot more of the funds for his sale for themselves.
Doing that would obviously be important, given it boosts the finances they have available to strengthen their own squad in the market, and replace key departing players.
Even so, Man United are being heavily linked with Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer, so it would be a big setback for Wolves to lose another key man in Ait-Nouri as well.
With that in mind it is no surprise they appear reluctant to sell him at all, and agreeing a new contract now puts them in a strong position when it comes to that situation.