(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s representatives are doing their utmost to ensure the player can leave Manchester City this winter.
The full-back has fallen almost entirely out of favour since Enzo Maresca took the reins, prompting him to explore a new venture mid-season.
How Ait-Nouri is faring
LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on February 28, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Ait-Nouri has yet to even feature in the Premier League since 2026/2027 got underway, making it no surprise he is ready to call it quits at the Etihad.
Instead, his only appearances have come in the League Cup and the Champions League, though he has still totalled just 168 minutes of action across both competitions.
Enjoy this smooth piece of footwork from Rayan Ait-Nouri 🤩 🔵 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/dpOoHZe030 — Premier League (@premierleague) April 15, 2026
Maresca previously explained the logic behind his continued omissions of the defender, saying: “He’s a clear full-back. In that position, we have Josko [Gvardiol], who is doing fantastic; we have Nico [O’Reilly], who, when he is fit, is doing fantastic; and he’s in the same position, so it’s just competition between them.”
What’s being said about Ait-Nouri?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Norwich City at Etihad Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Manchester United hold concrete interest in Ait-Nouri.
🚨🆕 Rayan Aït-Nouri, one to watch in the winter transfer window. The 25 y/o left-back is open to leaving Manchester City. Understand Manchester United would like to sign him. Personal terms are not an issue. #MCFC #MUFC The main issue is the relationship between the two… pic.twitter.com/kc3cDPcZqf — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 3, 2026
They reportedly pursued an 11th-hour loan move in the dying embers of the summer window but saw their attempts rebuffed by City.
A new left-back will be imperative in January due to Luke Shaw’s continued absence and Patrick Dorgu navigating injury setbacks of his own, and Ait-Nouri undoubtedly fits the bill.
The 25-year-old boasts six seasons’ worth of Premier League experience thanks to his time with City and, for five years, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Weighing in on his situation in the lead-up to the window reopening, sources close to Ait-Nouri said (as per L’Equipe): “Everything is being done to try and leave this winter. The player remains highly regarded in England and beyond.
“We need to find the best possible solution with Man City. He can’t stay in this situation where his talent is being wasted.”
Matheus Cunha celebrates his winner against Roma
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Fans of Manchester United show support in the stands as players from both teams walk out on to the pitch before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and AS Roma at Old Trafford on November 03, 2026 in Manchester, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, appears dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and AS Roma at Old Trafford on November 03, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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