Man City Complete the Signing of £36m Premier League Star – Confirmed | OneFootball

Man City Secure Rayan Ait-Nouri in Major Move from Wolves

Manchester City have completed the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves in a transfer that strengthens Pep Guardiola’s defensive options ahead of a demanding campaign. The highly-rated Algerian left-back joins the Premier League champions for an initial fee of £31 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially increasing the total value to £36 million.

This acquisition underlines City’s intent to evolve their squad while adding depth in key positions. Ait-Nouri, still only 23, has caught the eye with his consistent performances for Wolves in recent seasons, displaying both defensive resilience and attacking flair from the left flank.

Five-Year Contract and Immediate Availability

Ait-Nouri has signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, committing his long-term future to the Etihad Stadium. Crucially, the timing of the deal means he will be available for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament City are eager to make a mark in.

Guardiola has often rotated his full-backs, using the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake in wide positions, but Ait-Nouri’s arrival offers a more natural solution on the left. His ability to drive forward with the ball, combined with defensive awareness, makes him a tactically versatile addition for a side that demands high standards in every area of the pitch.

Windfall for Angers as Sell-On Clause Activated

While the move is significant for both Man City and Wolves, Ait-Nouri’s former club Angers are also set to benefit financially. The French outfit are due a considerable windfall from the transfer, owing to a 50 per cent sell-on clause agreed when Ait-Nouri made his initial switch to Wolves.

That clause would entitle Angers to approximately half of the fee received by Wolves, though the Midlands club retain the option to buy out the clause for around £9.7 million. Whether Wolves opt to exercise that option remains to be seen, but the structure of the deal highlights the foresight involved in Ait-Nouri’s development pathway.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Shift for Wolves

For Wolves, the departure of Ait-Nouri marks a significant moment. The Algeria international has become a key figure at Molineux, but the financial package offered by Man City was deemed too valuable to reject. With a reported total deal of £36 million, it represents a smart piece of business for a club often reliant on player trading to maintain financial balance.

This move also signals Wolves’ willingness to refresh their squad, and they are expected to reinvest part of the fee during the summer window. Finding a replacement for Ait-Nouri will be a top priority, especially given his consistent presence in recent seasons.

As for Man City, the signing bolsters a squad already brimming with quality, and it is another step in Guardiola’s ongoing pursuit of tactical perfection.