Wolves are now set to lose Rayan Ait-Nouri, after an agreement for his transfer to Manchester City was reached on Thursday.
Ait-Nouri is set to undergo his Manchester City medical at the weekend, and following that the move will be officially announced.
He will become the third confirmed outgoing player of the summer for Wolves, with Matheus Cunha joining Manchester United and Pablo Sarabia leaving as a free agent.
City are rebuilding their squad after an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, and have been on Rayan Ait-Nouri’s tail for quite some time.
There was always a chance the Algerian international could depart this summer, and that will now come to pass.
And this move clearly means a great deal to those that look after Ait-Nouri judging by a claim made today.
Members of Rayan Ait-Nouri’s entourage cried after sealing his transfer from Wolves to Man City
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Ait-Nouri has also been an extremely exciting player to watch at Wolves.
Over the years, he has blossomed into a brilliant wing-back, and someone you pay good money to watch.
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He still has a way to go to become a solid defender. But Ait-Nouri has incredible technical ability, which should help him thrive at the Etihad.
Seemingly, he was destined to play for a top club.
And the realisation that that will now happen was all too much for some people involved in the negotiations.
According to L’Equipe, some of Ait-Nouri’s entourage had tears in their eyes as his transfer to City was agreed.
Previously, Ait-Nouri had stated he was happy at Wolves. But the chance to play under Pep Guardiola, and to play for a club that regularly competes for trophies, was seemingly too good an opportunity for him to turn down.
New claim over Ait-Nouri transfer fee as Man City swoop
L’Equipe also claim that Ait-Nouri is actually set to transfer to City for a fee in the region of £42 million.
This claim was made earlier today, around the same time as most UK media outlets were reporting £33.7 million.
Hopefully, L’Equipe’s claim actually rings true and Wolves have managed to secure over £40 million for the player, as that is much more like his true market value.
It is thought Wolves are paying the £9.5 million required to remove the 50% sell-on clause that Angers have on him, so it would be ideal if £42 million was the right figure.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
It will be a real shame to see Ait-Nouri go, as he was such a maverick and someone who was really entertaining to watch.
But after five seasons at Molineux, it’s time for him to move on, and Wolves must now move quickly to replace him.
Potentially, Hugo Bueno could be Ait-Nouri’s successor, having done well at Feyenoord in 2024/25.
Brondby youngster Clement Bischoff is also an option for Wolves.