Manchester City has made a significant addition to its squad by signing left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee of £31 million. The 24-year-old defender, an international player for Algeria, has secured a contract with City until 2030 and will be available to participate in the group stage of the Club World Cup.
City’s debut in the newly-expanded tournament is set for June 18, where they will face Moroccan club Wydad AC. Ait-Nouri joined Wolves in a £14.9 million deal from Angers back in 2021, following a successful loan spell. Last season, he made 41 appearances, contributing five goals and seven assists as Wolves successfully avoided relegation.
The signing of Ait-Nouri marks Wolves’ second high-profile departure this summer, following the transfer of Brazil striker Matheus Cunha to Manchester United for £62.5 million. In addition to Ait-Nouri, City has also agreed upon a £46.3 million deal for Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, adding to the substantial investment of £200 million that City has made in the January transfer window.
Ait-Nouri expressed his excitement about joining City, stating that playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs is a “dream come true.” He looks forward to learning from renowned manager Pep Guardiola and training alongside a world-class team.
Former Wolves coach Edu Rubio has praised Ait-Nouri’s technical skills and his fit for Guardiola’s possession-oriented style of play. With his ability to maintain close control in tight spaces and his knack for driving the ball upfield, Ait-Nouri presents a valuable asset for City, filling a critical need for players who can break defensive lines. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in decision-making and contributing to the attack, many believe he can elevate his game further at City.
This strategic signing not only reflects City’s commitment to enhancing its squad for the current season but also illuminates a hopeful trajectory as they aim for further successes domestically and in European competitions, buoyed by their talented roster and managerial expertise.
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