Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Manchester City as Juventus revive loan interest

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future at Manchester City is uncertain after Juventus renewed their interest in signing the Algeria international on an initial loan in January, according to fresh reports from Italy.

Ait-Nouri’s move to City has not developed as expected since he joined from Wolverhampton for £31m in June 2025. The 24-year-old arrived with an established Premier League reputation and the deal was viewed at the time as an excellent piece of business for the club.

However, 15 months on, his position in Pep Guardiola’s squad has become increasingly difficult. A succession of minor injuries has limited his involvement, while the emergence of Nico O’Reilly has created further competition at left-back.

O’Reilly surprised supporters by establishing himself as City’s first-choice left-back for much of last season under Guardiola. That run of form has left Ait-Nouri facing a battle for regular playing time.

The Algerian has made only 33 appearances for Manchester City and has yet to play a single minute in the Premier League this season. He also accumulated fewer than 1,000 minutes in league football last season.

His limited time on the pitch has prompted speculation that he could leave the club, with Serie A currently considered the most likely destination. Juventus are now reported to have revived their interest ahead of a possible temporary move when the January transfer window opens.

The proposed arrangement would initially be a loan, giving Ait-Nouri the opportunity to secure more regular football away from Manchester City. For City, it would mark a change in the direction expected when the defender was recruited from Wolverhampton in June 2025.

Ait-Nouri’s lack of Premier League involvement this season, combined with O’Reilly’s established role, has intensified uncertainty over his long-term prospects at the club. Juventus’ renewed interest means his future could become one of the issues to monitor as the winter transfer period approaches.