Rayan Aït-Nouri, one of the standout left-backs in the Premier League last season, remains with Wolverhampton Wanderers despite widespread speculation about his departure. The club is open to selling him to fund their summer transfer activities, but a significant offer is required to trigger his release.
Wolverhampton has set a price tag of no less than £40 million (approximately €46 million) for the Algerian international.
Aït-Nouri, currently under contract with the club until 2026, has a market value of €35 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Liverpool is reportedly leading the race to sign the talented defender, though Manchester City and Chelsea are also interested.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Aït-Nouri have advanced, with the player seemingly favoring the Reds’ proposal.
Journalist David Lynch, relaying information from sources close to Liverpool, highlighted the club’s strong position due to their excellent relationship with Aït-Nouri’s agent.
“His name has been linked to Liverpool a few times recently, and it’s clear that the Reds have a very good relationship with his agent,” Lynch noted. “So there’s a reason to believe in that possibility.”
Aït-Nouri is represented by Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency, a significant factor in the ongoing discussions.
Gestifute also manages several Liverpool players, including Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, and Fabinho, as well as other potential targets like Matheus Nunes and Lenny Yoro.
The agency’s extensive network and influence could facilitate Aït-Nouri’s move to Anfield.
However, Lynch emphasized that Liverpool will need to offload a player before finalizing a deal for Aït-Nouri.
“I think Kóstas Tsimíkas could leave the club this summer, but that has to happen first,” he explained.
“You can’t just add a new defender without releasing any. That’s how Liverpool operate.”
Liverpool’s careful approach to the transfer market reflects their strategy of balancing new acquisitions with player sales.
This method ensures financial stability and squad harmony. Tsimíkas’ potential departure could pave the way for Aït-Nouri’s arrival, adding depth and quality to Liverpool’s defensive options.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton is keen to capitalize on Aït-Nouri’s rising stock.
The 22-year-old’s impressive performances have attracted attention from top clubs, and a successful transfer would provide Wolves with substantial funds to strengthen their squad.
Aït-Nouri’s potential move to Liverpool would bolster their left-back position, offering competition and support for Andrew Robertson.
His defensive prowess, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, makes him a valuable asset for any top-tier team.
As negotiations continue, the football world watches closely. The outcome of this transfer saga will significantly impact both Wolverhampton’s and Liverpool’s plans for the upcoming season.
While the process is progressing slowly, the strong relationships and strategic considerations involved suggest a deal could be finalized in the near future.
