Transfer fee, contract length, first reactions, shirt number: Manchester City sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves | OneFootball

Manchester City have formally announced the signing of Algeria international left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 24-year-old becomes Pep Guardiola’s first major signing of the summer transfer window as Manchester City undergo a significant overhaul of their playing squad given the dire performances seen across last season.

With plenty of the summer still to go, City have opted to be aggressive in the market and secure their priority targets earlier than usual, giving them the opportunity to play at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Ait-Nouri becomes Manchester City’s first major signing in the left-back position since Benjamin Mendy’s arrival from AS Monaco in the summer of 2017, and the first natural in his position overall since Sergio Gomez.

The deal is likely to see the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly granted more opportunities in their own traditional roles, with the former shifting into central defence and the Academy star perhaps shining in a midfield position.

And as Rayan Ait-Nouri completes his move to Manchester City during the ongoing transfer window with a formal announcement having arrived, here is everything you need to know about the deal!

What are the terms of Rayan Ait-Nouri’s move to Manchester City from Wolves?

Rayan Ait-Nouri joins Manchester City in an initial £31.7 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, potentially rising to as high as £33.7 million depending on add-ons.

The Algerian has penned a long-term, five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030.

What has Rayan Ait-Nouri said upon joining Manchester City?

“I am incredibly happy and honoured to have joined Manchester City. City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true.

“I am also excited about working with and learning from Pep and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world class group of players. Joining City is also a very proud moment for my family too.

“Now I can’t wait to get started and to play in front of our supporters.”

What has Hugo Viana said about the completed deal?

“Rayan is a player that as a Club we have been following closely for quite some time and we are delighted he has joined us. He already has extensive Premier League experience and has also demonstrated his quality at international level with Algeria.

“We feel sure that he will be an excellent addition to our squad and that working alongside Pep and his coaching staff will help develop his game even further. And at just 24 he is someone we feel sure will help us in our objective to bring more success to the Club.”

What shirt number has Rayan Ait-Nouri selected at Manchester City?

Manchester City’s new left-back has reportedly selected the number 21 at the Etihad Stadium, succeeding Sergio Gomez in the jersey and following the likes of Ferran Torres and club legend David Silva to wear the number.

Are there any clauses involved in the deal?

At this stage, there are no known clauses of note relating to Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future at Manchester City.

When could Rayan Ait-Nouri make his debut for Manchester City?

Rayan Ait-Nouri could make his first-team debut for Manchester City as soon as later this month, when Pep Guardiola and his squad – alongside the new arrivals – travel to the United States for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Manchester City will open up their group stage campaign at the tournament against Wydad AC on Wednesday 18 June, followed by a clash against Al-Ain on Monday 23 June, and closing out the phase against Juventus on Thursday 26 June.

Are any further signings expected from Manchester City?

The arrival of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves is expected to be followed by confirmation of Tijjani Reijnders’ move from AC Milan, with the duo then turned into a trio of big-money signings through Rayan Cherki’s switch from Lyon.

Manchester City officials could also yet welcome in a new goalkeeper into the first-team camp, with reports indicating that Chelsea’s Marcus Bettinelli has emerged as a candidate to replace the outgoing Scott Carson in the third-choice shot-stopper position.