Rayan Ait-Nouri has taken a significant step toward completing a move to Manchester City after undergoing and passing his medical with the Premier League champions.
The Algerian international, who has impressed with his consistent performances at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is poised to join Pep Guardiola’s side in a deal worth £33.7 million.
The 23-year-old was seen departing City’s medical facilities on Monday, with only minor formalities remaining before the transfer is finalised.
Ait-Nouri, whose current contract with Wolves runs until the end of next season, has been on City’s radar for several months.
His technical ability and tactical intelligence have made him one of the most promising left-sided defenders in the Premier League. City are keen to finalise the deal before Tuesday night’s FIFA Club World Cup squad registration deadline.
The financial structure of the deal also involved negotiations with French club Angers, where Ait-Nouri began his professional career.
Angers held a 50 percent sell-on clause on any future transfer. However, Wolves are now set to pay around £10 million to buy out that clause, thereby retaining a larger portion of the incoming transfer fee.
Ait-Nouri made 38 appearances for Wolves across all competitions last season and emerged as a key figure in the team’s tactical setup.
His versatility—capable of operating both as a full-back and a wing-back—adds depth to City’s squad, particularly as they look to manage a demanding fixture calendar including domestic competitions, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup.
Should all go as expected, the Algerian will be unveiled as a City player before the close of business on Tuesday, strengthening Guardiola’s options ahead of a packed 2025/26 season.
