Rayan Aït-Nouri’s summer move to Manchester City has already begun to draw significant attention from the British media, as anticipation builds around the Algerian international’s prospects under Pep Guardiola in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Following a standout season at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 23-year-old left-back arrives at the Etihad with both high expectations and a reputation for versatility.
In a feature published over the weekend, The Sun lauded Aït-Nouri’s unique profile, describing him as “atypical” for a full-back—someone who frequently operated higher up the pitch, often resembling a playmaker rather than a traditional defender.
“Aït-Nouri often played as an advanced playmaker last season,” the publication noted. “He scored 5 goals and provided 7 assists, an impressive total for a full-back.”
Alongside his attacking contributions, the Algerian’s defensive numbers were equally striking. With 101 successful tackles to his name during the last campaign, he was statistically among the Premier League’s most effective players in his position.
That dual-threat capability has led to speculation that Aït-Nouri could be the solution Guardiola has been seeking, particularly in light of Josko Gvardiol’s recent shift to a more central role.
The excitement surrounding Aït-Nouri’s arrival extends beyond the tactical realm.
He is also being widely tipped as a potential inclusion in the Premier League’s popular fantasy football “Dream Team,” a status that celebrates the most consistent and influential players throughout the season.
Now contracted to City for the next five years, Aït-Nouri has already made his debut for the club during the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States, where he featured prominently in early matches.
His performances there did little to dampen the growing enthusiasm of City supporters, many of whom are eager to see their new number 3 replicate—and elevate—his form on the domestic and European stages.
This move represents a defining chapter for Aït-Nouri, who not only seeks to solidify his place at one of Europe’s elite clubs but also aims to become a key figure in Algeria’s national team setup.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the timing could not be more critical.
For the young defender, the stakes are high. But so too is the potential.
The months ahead could well confirm Aït-Nouri as both a rising Premier League star and a cornerstone of Algeria’s footballing future.
