Barcelona weigh Rayan Ait-Nouri move as Alejandro Balde uncertainty grows

Barcelona are considering a January move for Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri as they assess how to address uncertainty over Alejandro Balde’s future.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona are monitoring the Algeria international’s situation at Manchester City, where he has struggled for regular playing time under manager Enzo Maresca. The 25-year-old is understood to be open to a change of surroundings in January in an attempt to revive his career and secure more minutes.

Ait-Nouri has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter since joining the English club and is reportedly unhappy with his current position. He and those close to him are therefore considering the possibility of leaving midway through the season.

A previous Barcelona target

Sport reports that Ait-Nouri fits the profile Barcelona are seeking because of his attacking ability, willingness to carry the ball forward and comfort in tight spaces. His link-up play also allows him to help create numerical advantages in the opposition’s defensive areas.

Barcelona’s interest is not new. The club’s sporting department followed the left-back before he moved to Manchester City, although the English side eventually secured his signature.

Manchester City signed Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025 on a contract running until the summer of 2030. He had impressed during his final season with Wolverhampton Wanderers, making 37 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

His move to Manchester City has not developed as expected, however, with the defender failing to secure a regular role. His future is now uncertain, with the prospect of a departure during the next transfer window increasing.

Loan terms could prove decisive

Manchester City would reportedly be willing to allow Ait-Nouri to leave on loan in January, but the club would prefer any agreement to include an obligation for the borrowing club to sign him permanently in June.

That condition could complicate Barcelona’s plans. The Catalan club want to take advantage of opportunities in the transfer market without committing significant funds that could restrict their ability to strengthen other positions in the summer.

Barcelona are also reluctant to make a major financial commitment before Balde’s situation becomes clearer. His role has diminished under Hans Flick, and a January departure remains a possibility.

Mundo Deportivo previously reported that Balde was beginning to accept the prospect of leaving Barcelona in search of greater opportunities, despite his desire to regain a place in the starting XI. Spanish reports have linked him with Roma, while Italian outlets have said Juventus are also monitoring his position.

Should Balde leave, Barcelona would need to replace one of their principal natural options at left-back to avoid being under-resourced in the second half of the season.

Manchester United, who tried to sign Ait-Nouri during the previous transfer window, are also monitoring his position. Juventus are interested too.

The player’s agent, Ali Barat, has held several meetings with Barcelona sporting director Deco in recent months concerning various transfer matters, keeping communication between the parties open. Barat has also previously offered Barcelona the chance to sign young prospect Jay Gabriel, who reports suggest is close to joining Real Madrid.

Any move for Ait-Nouri will depend on Manchester City’s loan conditions and what happens with Balde in the coming weeks.