Man City secures transfer of Ait-Nouri prior to Club World Cup participation
Rayan Ait-Nouri, a standout defender during the 2024-25 Premier League season with Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves), has made a move to Manchester City this summer. The Algeria international signed a five-year contract with the English giants, marking a new chapter in his career.
During his time at Wolves, Ait-Nouri was a key player, particularly in the attacking department. He led all defenders in the league with 11 attacking returns, consisting of 4 goals and 7 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively [1]. His all-round attacking statistics also placed him among the top defenders for shots and chances created [1].
Ait-Nouri's transfer fee is reported to be £31million, making him one of the more expensive signings in the recent transfer window [2]. The move to Manchester City is a significant one for the 23-year-old, who expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play for and learn from Pep Guardiola and his coaching team.
Manchester City will be participating in the Club World Cup, with their first match scheduled against Wydad AC on 18 June. Ait-Nouri is set to make his debut for the club in this tournament, joining a squad that includes some of the world's best players. He spoke about his eagerness to train and play alongside these world-class players.
In addition to Ait-Nouri, Manchester City have also agreed a £46.3m deal to sign AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, further bolstering their squad [3]. This transfer, along with the signing of Ait-Nouri, adds to the £200m spent by Manchester City in the January transfer window.
Ait-Nouri's Wolves career totalled 157 appearances across all competitions, during which he scored a total of 9 goals. His performances were crucial in Wolves' resurgence in the 2024-25 Premier League season, despite the club failing to win any of their first 10 league games [4].
In conclusion, Rayan Ait-Nouri's contribution to Wolves in the 2024-25 Premier League season was significant, particularly in terms of attacking returns. His move to Manchester City marks a new chapter in his career, and he is eager to make an impact in the English giants' upcoming Club World Cup campaign.
[1] [Wolves Official Website] (https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/articles/2025/may/25-may-2025-premier-league-stats-round-up)
[2] [Manchester City Official Website] (https://www.mancity.com/news/transfers/2025/june/rayan-ait-nouri-joins-manchester-city)
[3] [Sky Sports] (https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12434005/man-city-agree-46-3m-deal-to-sign-ac-milans-tijjani-reijnders)
[4] [BBC Sport] (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58577569)
After demonstrating his exceptional talent at Wolverhampton Wanderers, particularly in the attacking department, scoring 4 goals and providing 7 assists, earning him the lead among defenders in the Premier League for attacking returns [1], Rayan Ait-Nouri has joined Manchester City, finding himself in the lineup of one of the top European leagues, the Premier League [2].
Aiming to make an impact in Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign starting on 18 June, Ait-Nouri will be joining a star-studded team, learning from Pep Guardiola and his coaching team, while also playing alongside some of the world's best players, including recent acquisition Tijjani Reijnders [3].
