Manchester City has bolstered its squad by signing Algerian left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £31 million ($42 million). The 24-year-old penned a five-year deal and is set to be available for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off later this week in the United States.
Ait-Nouri expressed his excitement about joining the club, saying, “City is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the chance to play here is a dream come true. I am thrilled to work with and learn from Pep Guardiola and his coaching team, and to train and play alongside such a world-class group of players.”
The defender spent five years at Wolves, initially joining on loan from Angers before making the move permanent in 2021 for £14.9 million. Ait-Nouri becomes City’s first specialist left-back since Benjamin Mendy, addressing a position that has seen several players fill in over recent years.
Manchester City is also close to securing deals for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki. French media report that Cherki is on the verge of signing a five-year contract, with Guardiola hoping to finalize the €40 million move in time for the Club World Cup.
After missing out on major silverware last season for the first time since 2016/17, City is aiming for a strong comeback. The club invested over £172 million in January on players like Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez to reinforce the squad.
In the upcoming Club World Cup, Manchester City will face Moroccan side Wydad AC and Emirati club Al Ain before a high-profile clash with Italian giants Juventus. The group stage matches begin on June 14.
