In a recent report, Le10Sport claimed that Wolverhampton Wanderers have no intention of letting Rayan Ait-Nouri leave despite interest from Liverpool ahead of the winter transfer window. It is believed that Wolves are eager to keep hold of the Algerian talent for the long run.
Ait-Nouri’s Impressive Form In English Football
Ait-Nouri is having a solid campaign at the Molineux Stadium after he produced a few eye-catching displays on the left side of Gary O’Neil’s defence. The Algerian sensation has made 14 appearances for the West Midlands club this season across various competitions.
The 22-year-old has been a good performer in both halves and deserves credit for averaging 2.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 0.7 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the left flank after making 84% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Ait-Nouri’s current deal at Wolves will run out in the summer of 2026. Hence, O’Neil has no immediate need to cash in on him when the transfer window commences this January.
Can Wolves Boss Gary O’Neil Afford To Lose Ait-Nouri?
Ait-Nouri can get stuck in with a few crunching tackles to make life tough for the opposition attackers. He can read the danger well to secure possession back for his team inside his half.
The Algerian full-back usually clears the danger when needed and can make a few promising runs with the ball on the left flank. He has got the eye to create the odd chance for his teammates and can even shoot the ball purely from long range. The gifted defender usually functions as a left-back but can also fill in as a left-winger if told to do so by his manager.
Ait-Nouri is currently one of the first names in O’Neil’s teamsheet. Hence, the Wolves boss simply cannot afford to lose a player of his skillset this winter. At 22, the future is quite bright for the talented left-back as long as he continues to improve his game with each year.
The Algerian has still got a few years remaining in his contract at the Molineux, so Wolves would be better off keeping hold of him for the duration of his contract.
