Manchester City set obligation-to-buy condition as Juventus move ahead of Barcelona for Rayan Ait-Nouri

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future at Manchester City appears increasingly likely to lie away from the club, with the Algeria international attracting interest from FC Barcelona, Juventus Turin and Manchester United ahead of the winter transfer window.

However, City will not simply allow the 25-year-old left-back to leave on loan. The English club are prepared to sanction a six-month deal only if it includes an obligation for the player’s next club to buy him in summer 2027.

Ait-Nouri has not played a single minute in the Premier League this season. His only appearances have come in the Champions League and the League Cup, where he has featured in four matches for a total of 168 minutes.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, FC Barcelona are monitoring the former Wolverhampton player. His attacking qualities appeal to the Spanish club, although Manchester City’s financial demands could make a deal difficult.

City want Ait-Nouri to revive his career elsewhere without the risk of bringing him back several months later in the same position. They paid more than 35 million euros to sign him from Wolverhampton in 2025, and he remains under contract until 2030.

The club therefore want to recover a significant portion of that investment. Their stance already discouraged Manchester United during the previous transfer window. The Red Devils asked about a loan during the final hours of the summer market but withdrew after learning that City wanted the arrangement to lead to a permanent transfer.

Barcelona weighing up defensive changes

Barcelona’s interest could depend on Alejandro Balde’s future, with a departure for the Spain international being considered. Hansi Flick has recently used other players, including Frenkie de Jong, on the left side of his defence, suggesting Balde is no longer guaranteed an untouchable position in the team.

Ait-Nouri would offer a different type of full-back. His ability to carry the ball, combine in tight areas and make forward runs suits an attacking role rather than that of a conventional defender. He can operate along the whole flank or play further forward, as Enzo Maresca envisages at Manchester City.

The financial aspect remains a major obstacle for Barcelona. The club are seeking affordable solutions for January and may be reluctant to commit immediately to a substantial obligation to buy. A move for Ait-Nouri could depend on a sale, most likely Balde’s departure.

Juventus have also revived their interest. Italian media report that the Turin club have re-established contact with Ait-Nouri’s representatives after trying to sign him during the summer. Juventus are understood to favour a loan with an option to buy and have progressed further in negotiations than Manchester United.

A move to Italy would not guarantee an immediate starting place, with Ait-Nouri expected to compete with Andrea Cambiaso. Barcelona could offer a clearer route into the team if Balde leaves, while Manchester United have an obvious need because of fitness problems affecting Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu.

For Ait-Nouri, regular football is more important than the prestige of his next club. His lack of action in Manchester has already weakened his position with the Algeria national team. Barcelona may be the more attractive destination, but Juventus currently appear to have the more concrete interest. The deal may ultimately go to whichever club accepts Manchester City’s condition.