Manchester City is seeking a fee of approximately £30 million to sell full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in January, according to TEAMtalk. The Algeria international has not made a Premier League appearance under manager Enzo Maresca since joining from Wolverhampton in 2025, and intermediaries are currently in talks with several clubs, including Manchester United.
Manchester United resume talks for Ait-Nouri
Manchester United are among the clubs being kept informed about the 24-year-old’s availability. According to africasoccer.com, manager Michael Carrick is seeking a solution to ongoing problems at left-back and views Ait-Nouri’s Premier League experience as a way to avoid a period of adjustment to English football.
The two clubs previously attempted a deal on the final day of the last transfer window, but TEAMtalk reports the move could not be completed before the deadline. Communication between the clubs has since reopened. If the move occurs, Ait-Nouri would be the first player to transfer directly from Manchester City to Manchester United since Owen Hargreaves in 2011.
Did you know? A direct transfer between the two Manchester rivals is rare; the last instance was Owen Hargreaves moving to Old Trafford in 2011.
Maresca signals departure via Hugo Viana
Enzo Maresca has confirmed publicly that Ait-Nouri is not his first choice for the starting lineup. According to TEAMtalk, the manager has communicated these feelings to sporting director Hugo Viana, who is now drafting a plan for the player’s exit before the January window opens.
Ait-Nouri currently faces stiff competition for the left-back role. He is behind Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly in the competition for the left-back position. While he is known for his attacking qualities and ability to carry the ball forward, he has recently been left out of the Algeria national squad.
Everton needs Grealish deal to sign Ait-Nouri
Everton have also expressed interest in the defender. However, africasoccer.com notes that Everton cannot sign Ait-Nouri unless they first complete the permanent signing of Jack Grealish, as Premier League regulations prohibit a club from loaning two players from the same parent club.
To facilitate a move, Manchester City is open to a loan arrangement. TEAMtalk reports that City would insist on a clause making the transfer permanent once the player reaches a specific number of appearances. This structure would allow interested clubs to secure the player without an immediate upfront permanent fee.
| Detail | Reported Terms |
|---|---|
| Estimated Valuation | £30 million / 30 million euros |
| Preferred Exit Route | Permanent sale or loan with obligation |
| Primary Competition | Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly |
Ait-Nouri’s transfer requirements
Intermediaries are currently working to determine if a deal can be reached in the new year. While clubs in Italy, Spain, and Germany are monitoring the situation, africasoccer.com suggests that a loan could serve as a trial for Manchester United to assess whether Ait-Nouri’s lack of playing time at City is due to form or simple competition for places.
Common questions about the Ait-Nouri transfer
Why can’t Everton sign Ait-Nouri immediately?
Everton would violate Premier League rules by loaning two players from Manchester City simultaneously; they must first make Jack Grealish’s stay permanent to free up a loan slot, according to africasoccer.com.
What is the specific cost for a permanent move?
Manchester City is expected to demand approximately £30 million, though africasoccer.com cites the figure as 30 million euros.
Who is currently ahead of him in the City lineup?
According to africasoccer.com, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly are the preferred options for the left-back position under Enzo Maresca.
The potential move follows a period of limited activity for the defender, who joined the City squad from Wolverhampton in 2025.
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