Man City Sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves on Five-Year Deal

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Manchester City have bolstered their squad ahead of the Club World Cup with the signing of Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a five-year contract, the club announced on Monday, June 9. The 24-year-old left-back joins for a reported fee of £33.7 million ($45.69 million), marking a significant coup for the Premier League giants.

Ait-Nouri, who spent five seasons at Wolves, initially joined the club on loan from Angers in 2020 before making the move permanent in 2021. During his time at Molineux, he made 157 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 19 assists. His versatility and attacking flair from the defensive position made him one of the standout defenders in the Premier League last season, with only Fulham’s Antonee Robinson recording more assists among defenders.

“City are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true,” Ait-Nouri said. “I am also so excited about working with and learning from Pep [Guardiola] and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world-class group of players.”

City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, highlighted Ait-Nouri’s Premier League experience and international quality with Algeria as key factors in the transfer. “He already has extensive Premier League experience and has also demonstrated his quality at international level,” Viana noted, adding that the club had been tracking the defender for some time.

The move comes at a pivotal moment for Manchester City, who finished third in the 2024-25 Premier League season and secured Champions League qualification on the final day. With the Club World Cup looming, Ait-Nouri’s arrival strengthens Pep Guardiola’s squad as they prepare to face Wydad AC, Al-Ain, and Juventus in Group G, starting June 18.

For Wolves, Ait-Nouri’s departure follows the recent transfer of forward Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, leaving the club without two key players from last season. As City gear up for a busy summer, Ait-Nouri’s signing signals their intent to compete on all fronts.