Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri is facing an uncertain future at the club and could leave in the upcoming January transfer window after struggling to secure regular playing time under manager Enzo Maresca, according to reports. Intermediaries have already opened discussions with multiple clubs across Europe regarding a potential move.
The 25-year-old Algeria international arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Wolverhampton in 2025 on a contract running until 2030, but his opportunities have been severely limited. According to reports cited by La Gazette du Fennec, Aït-Nouri has accumulated just 123 minutes across all competitions and has yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League under Maresca, who has favored Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly at left-back. Enzo Maresca had previously confirmed the congestion at the position, stating: C’est un latéral pur et dur. À ce poste, nous avons Josko (Gvardiol), qui est fantastique, nous avons Nico (O’Reilly), qui est fantastique lorsqu’il est en forme, et c’est le même poste, donc il y a simplement de la concurrence entre eux
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Transfer interest from Manchester United and European suitors
Manchester United has emerged as a primary suitor for Aït-Nouri as the Red Devils look to bolster their left defensive flank, despite already having Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, and Diogo Dalot in the squad. Onze Mondial reported that the defender is open to crossing the city divide, a direct switch between the two rivals that has not occurred since Owen Hargreaves made the move in 2011. United previously registered interest during the closing stages of the summer transfer window before talks stalled.
🚨| Déclaration de M.Brown sur la situation de R.Aït Nouri : 🇩🇿🗣 "Je n'ai pas les mots, Maresca parlait d'une bonne relation mais ce n'est pas ce qu'on voit sur le terrain, il l'a empêcher de signer à M.United en disant qu'il comptait sur lui."📝Un départ semble imminent. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/tBQYIFLDeH
However, competition for the defender’s signature is intense. According to reporting from La Gazette du Fennec and TEAMtalk, intermediaries are engaging with major clubs across the English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A. Everton remains attentive to the situation, though Yahoo Actualités noted that the Merseyside club’s ability to pursue a deal depends on the finalization of Jack Grealish’s registration under Premier League loan restrictions.
Financial valuations and potential loan structures
Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana is actively working behind the scenes to resolve Aït-Nouri’s future ahead of the winter market. Yahoo Actualités and La Gazette du Fennec reported that City values the player at approximately £30 million (around €35 million), matching the investment made when he joined from Wolves in 2025.
Despite preferring a permanent sale to recoup their initial outlay, City officials remain open to a loan arrangement containing an option to buy that would become mandatory upon reaching specific appearance thresholds. Meanwhile, clubs in Italy—including Juventus—have maintained contact to evaluate the feasibility of a mid-season acquisition as Aït-Nouri seeks regular action to preserve his international standing.
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