Manchester City sign Ait-Nouri from Wolves for £31m

Manchester City have completed the signing of Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in a £31 million deal. The 24-year-old Algeria international has signed a contract running until 2030 and will be eligible to feature in City’s opening match of the Club World Cup against Wydad AC of Morocco on June 18.

Ait-Nouri, who joined Wolves permanently from French side Angers in 2021 after an initial loan spell, had a standout 2024/25 season.

He made 41 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals and seven assists as Wolves narrowly avoided relegation. His performances attracted interest from several clubs, but it was City who secured his services.

The defender becomes the second high-profile departure from Wolves this summer, following Brazil striker Matheus Cunha’s move to Manchester United for £62.5 million.

Ait-Nouri’s move also adds to Manchester City’s busy transfer activity, with the club already sealing a £46.3 million deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, building on their £200 million January spree.

Speaking after the move, Ait-Nouri expressed his excitement, calling the transfer a “dream come true.” He said, “City are one of the biggest clubs in the world. I am 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.”

Former Wolves coach Edu Rubio, who worked with Ait-Nouri during the 2022/23 season, praised his technical skill and ability to operate in tight spaces, qualities that align well with Guardiola’s possession-based style.

He also noted the defender’s pace and versatility, with the potential to play across the flank or as an inverted full-back, though he highlighted that decision-making and attacking end product are areas for improvement.

With his defensive reliability and attacking threat, Ait-Nouri is expected to provide strong competition and depth in City’s backline.

As the reigning Premier League champions prepare for the expanded Club World Cup, Guardiola will be keen to integrate his new signing swiftly into a team chasing both domestic and international glory.