Rayan Ait-Nouri considering January exit from Manchester City after Nottingham Forest omission

Rayan Ait-Nouri is reportedly considering leaving Manchester City in January after his omission from the squad for Saturday’s defeat by Nottingham Forest was described as the “final straw”.

Manchester City suffered their third consecutive Premier League defeat when they were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in the 10th round of fixtures.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Algeria international is seriously weighing up a departure from the club. If his situation does not change significantly and quickly, Ait-Nouri could seek a move in January or, at the latest, in June.

The defender’s limited involvement under Enzo Maresca has become a major concern. His absence from the team for the match against Nottingham Forest appears to have strengthened the possibility that he will look for a new club.

Ait-Nouri, regarded by many as Manchester City’s best left-back, has had few opportunities since joining the club. He has not played a single Premier League match this season, leaving his future at the Etihad Stadium increasingly uncertain.

His only start came in the League Cup against Norwich City, who play in the first division. It was the match in which he made his most prominent appearance in the Manchester City starting line-up.

The Algeria international’s lack of regular football has raised doubts over how long he will remain at the club. A January departure is now considered a realistic possibility, although a move at the end of the season in June could also be pursued if circumstances remain unchanged.

Manchester United previously explored the possibility of signing Ait-Nouri on loan towards the end of the last transfer window. However, Manchester City insisted that any proposed agreement should include a purchase clause.

That condition brought the negotiations to an end and prevented the transfer from being completed. Manchester United could now consider reopening discussions over the deal when the January transfer window arrives.

For Ait-Nouri, the absence against Nottingham Forest followed a season in which he has struggled to secure a place in the side. Unless his role changes rapidly, the report says the Algerian may decide that a move away from Manchester City is the best option.