Rayan Aït-Nouri is unlikely to go to war to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer but does have to seriously think about a transfer.
That’s according to Billel Dziri, speaking to Africa Foot, who believes the time has come for the 23-year-old to consider his future at Wolves, with Liverpool and Manchester City both in the mix.
Aït-Nouri has been impressing for Wolves this season, with four goals and seven assists in 35 games in the Premier League this season.
He has shown rapid improvement under Vitor Pereira, flourishing in his system that’s helped Wolves rocket up the Premier League table and far away from relegation danger.
The left-back has long been linked with a move to several big clubs in Europe, with Liverpool and Manchester City both credited with an interest.
For example, a report back in March had a Nottingham Forest scout explaining why a move to Liverpool would make sense. They’re on the hunt for a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson this summer. Manchester City, meanwhile, are still without a left-back but have benefitted from the emergence of Nico O’Reilly this season.
Aït-Nouri could be on their radars, though, and Dziri believes that a conversation is coming with Wolves’ hierarchy this summer.
“No, I don’t think so. He’s known for having a good mentality,” he said when asked if the defender will ‘go to war’.
“It’s normal for Wolverhampton to want to keep one of its key players and it’s normal for Aït-Nouri, who has been there for five years, to want to join a more prestigious club, with ambitions of competing for the title and participating in a European competition, preferably the Champions League.
“I think there will be negotiations between Wolves on the one hand and the player and his representatives on the other. Wolverhampton can also recoup quite a bit of money from the deal.
“First of all, it seems to me that it’s mainly English clubs that are interested in him, and big clubs. Since the Premier League is the best league in the world, I think the best thing for him would be to continue his career in England. Unless Real Madrid or FC Barcelona are interested.
“He’s an excellent defender, but he can still improve, and Liverpool or Manchester City would allow him to take a step forward. These are clubs that compete in the Champions League and want to win titles. Perhaps other teams will come forward soon.”
