Sports
City Ait‑Nouri Set for January Exit as United Re‑opens Talks
Rayan Ait‑Nouri is expected to leave Manchester City in January, with intermediaries already in discussions with several clubs, including Manchester United, according to TEAMtalk. The 25‑year‑old Algeria international has struggled to secure a regular first‑team place since joining the Etihad from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2025, and his prospects have worsened in recent months. Ait‑Nouri has not appeared in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca, who has now informed City sporting director Hugo Viana of his assessment of the defender. Viana is working on an exit plan, as the club wants to resolve the player’s future before the January transfer window opens.
Maresca publicly confirmed earlier this month that Ait‑Nouri is not the first‑choice full‑back, citing competition from Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly. "He’s a clear full‑back. In that position, we have Josko [Gvardiol], who is doing fantastic, we have Nico [O’Reilly], who when he is fit is doing fantastic; and he’s the same position so it’s just competition between them," Maresca said.
Manchester United had previously been offered the chance to sign Ait‑Nouri on deadline day, but a deal could not be reached before the window closed. Lines of communication have since reopened, with intermediaries exploring a potential move in the New Year. Ait‑Nouri would be open to a switch across Manchester, making him the first player to move directly from City to United since Owen Hargreaves in 2011.
City has set a £30 million price for Ait‑Nouri. Everton has also expressed interest, as have clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany. City is reportedly willing to allow a loan move, with a clause that could convert the loan into a permanent transfer if a set number of appearances is reached. Everton could only sign him if they also secure Jack Grealish permanently, due to Premier League loan rules.
For United, revisiting a player they considered on deadline day could address a full‑back need, especially if they believe Ait‑Nouri can rediscover the form that attracted them during his time at Wolves. With limited league minutes under Maresca, a January move appears increasingly likely.