Manchester City’s Hugo Viana outlines reasons behind Rayan Aït-Nouri signing

Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana has shed light on the decision to bring in Algerian left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri this summer, describing the move as a carefully considered addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The 23-year-old, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has quickly won admiration within the club for his technical ability and adaptability.

According to Viana, Aït-Nouri’s combination of youth and proven Premier League experience made him an ideal candidate to bolster City’s defensive options.

“It was a position we had been looking to strengthen since January,” Viana explained. “After several discussions with Pep, we came to the conclusion that Aït-Nouri was the right player. Pep appreciates full-backs who can operate both on the outside and when moving inside, and Rayan fits that profile perfectly.”

Viana, a former Portuguese international, emphasised the qualities that convinced the City hierarchy to act. “His technical qualities are excellent,” he continued. “He is still young but has already gained considerable experience in the Premier League, which is not easy. We are really pleased to have him with us.”

For City, the arrival of Aït-Nouri represents more than a simple squad addition. It reflects a wider recruitment strategy that Viana has driven since assuming his role, aimed at blending raw talent with strong mental attributes.

The emphasis has been not only on skill but also on personality, with the belief that players who embody both can thrive under Guardiola’s demanding system.

The sporting director noted that the Algerian international’s versatility will allow Guardiola to maintain tactical flexibility across competitions. Aït-Nouri’s ability to move between roles—whether staying wide to stretch the pitch or stepping inside to support midfield—gives City further options in a position that has been under review for some time.

This transfer also fits into City’s broader long-term planning. Viana spoke of the importance of assembling a squad that balances immediate competitiveness with the potential for continued progression.

By securing a player who is already proven in the Premier League but still has significant room to grow, the club sees Aït-Nouri as a long-term investment as much as an immediate reinforcement.

When addressing City’s other summer signings, Viana reiterated that each acquisition has been made with the same philosophy in mind: to build a balanced squad capable of sustaining success both domestically and in Europe. “It is about preparing not only for this season but also for the future,” he said. “We want players who can adapt, develop, and grow with the team. Rayan embodies that approach.”

Aït-Nouri’s move to the Etihad Stadium has already sparked excitement among supporters, many of whom view his arrival as a seamless fit with Guardiola’s tactical demands.

His blend of technique, composure, and versatility offers the potential to enhance City’s options on the left flank at a time when competition at the highest level continues to intensify.

For now, Viana’s conviction is clear: Manchester City have acquired a player whose qualities, both on and off the pitch, align perfectly with the vision the club continues to pursue. Whether immediately or in seasons to come, Aït-Nouri is expected to play a key role in sustaining the champions’ ambitions.

Hugo Viana on Rayan Ait-Nouti: “A position we were looking for since January and with Pep [Guardiola], after many conversations, we decided Ait-Nouri was the right player to bring because Pep likes players to go outside and inside. His technical skills are really, really good,…

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