Wolves have lost a lot of players this summer, and plenty are still upset about the sale of Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City.
Rayan Ait-Nouri was the second player to depart this summer after Matheus Cunha, joining the Citizens and linking up with Pep Guardiola.
Wolves fans blasted the £36 million sale price for Ait-Nouri, with some believing it was far too cheap for a player of his quality.
But Ait-Nouri had made it clear to Wolves he wouldn’t sign an extension, which essentially forced the club to sell him amid City’s interest.
He went with the well wishes of most Wolves fans, for he had been a great servant to the club and had thoroughly entertained supporters along the way.
Watching Ait-Nouri was certainly fun, and that seems like it will continue now he’s at City.
Former Wolves ace Rayan Ait-Nouri has already impressed Pep Guardiola with his ability to play inside
Rayan Ait-Nouri playing for Manchester City.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
At times last season, we did see Ait-Nouri drift inside for Wolves.
The Algerian operated at left wing-back, but was seemingly given license at times to play in the middle to try and create overloads.
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Certainly, this was understandable given his technical ability.
Ahead of Wolves’ game with City – and early reunion with Ait-Nouri on Saturday – Pep Guardiola has apparently been left impressed by Ait-Nouri’s ability to play inside and operate as a number 10.
Guillem Balague said on X: “Pep is impressed by left back Ait-Nouri who loves coming inside and is a great number ten too!”
Ait-Nouri will thrive at Man City and make £36m fee look cheap
Wolves fans did not begrudge Ait-Nouri his move to City, given the great service he gave.
But there was definitely anger about him only selling for £36 million, because most people feel Ait-Nouri is destined to become one of the top left-backs in football.
Of course, he lacked consistency for Wolves at times and could be prone to defensive lapses.
Rayan Ait-Nouri for Wolves
Appearances – 157
Goals – 12
Assists – 9
But he was sensational in terms of his technical ability, and was a major threat on that left side.
And last season we saw the interesting tactic of him coming inside, which just made sense given how well he keeps the ball.
One would imagine we’ll now see him doing that at City, and ultimately the £36 million fee could end up looking alarmingly cheap.