Manchester City’s efforts to secure the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri have hit a temporary pause, with the Algerian international placing full focus on his national team commitments.
Speculation surrounding Aït-Nouri’s potential transfer to the Premier League champions has been intensifying in recent weeks, with numerous European media outlets reporting that talks between the two clubs are progressing.
Despite this growing interest, the 23-year-old arrived in Algiers on Monday with a clear message: his priority lies with Algeria’s upcoming international fixtures.
Speaking briefly to the press upon landing at Houari Boumediene Airport, Aït-Nouri played down rumours of an imminent move. “At the moment, I’m not thinking about that,” he said, referring to the transfer speculation. “We have two important matches ahead with the national team. We’ll see what happens afterward.”
The left-back is currently in camp with the Algerian squad at the National Technical Centre in Sidi Moussa, where preparations are underway for a pair of friendlies. Algeria is set to face Rwanda on June 5, followed by a clash against Sweden on June 10.
These matches are seen as key steps in head coach Vladimir Petkovic’s plan to shape the squad ahead of major competitive fixtures, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Aït-Nouri’s composure in the face of swirling rumours reflects a growing maturity in a player whose performances in the Premier League have not gone unnoticed.
Since joining Wolves from Angers, initially on loan before securing a permanent move, he has established himself as one of the league’s most promising young defenders.
His pace, technical ability, and attacking support from deep have made him an attractive prospect for top European clubs, with Manchester City now seemingly leading the race.
However, his measured response in Algiers suggests no decision will be made in haste. With Algeria entering a crucial period in their preparations under the guidance of Petkovic, Aït-Nouri appears determined to contribute fully to the national cause before turning his attention back to club matters.
The two upcoming friendlies are expected to offer Petkovic further insight into his squad’s strengths and shortcomings.
For Aït-Nouri, they provide an opportunity to cement his role as a vital piece in Algeria’s tactical setup, especially as the team eyes continental success after a disappointing 2023 AFCON campaign.
City, meanwhile, may have to bide their time. Pep Guardiola’s side is believed to be looking for reinforcements at left-back, with Aït-Nouri’s profile aligning closely with their style of play.
Yet, with the player’s focus firmly on international duty, any progress on that front may only resume once Algeria’s summer fixtures conclude.
For now, the transfer speculation will remain just that—speculation. Aït-Nouri’s eyes are on the green of Algeria, not the blue of Manchester City.
🟢💬 | Rayan Aït-Nouri sur les rumeurs le liant à Manchester City :
« Pour l’instant je me concentre pas sur ça, on a 2 matchs importants avec la sélection.
La suite on verra après.. »
🎥 El Heddaf TV pic.twitter.com/xBFEzQINDl
— 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗗𝘇𝗮𝗶𝗿 🇩🇿💫 (@arobasedzair2) June 2, 2025
