If a report from Spanish news outlet El Nacional is believed to be true, Liverpool are among the host of clubs who are keen on Wolves fullback Rayan Aït-Nouri. The France U21 international is enjoying his minutes under Bruno Lage and has emerged as the transfer target of Real Madrid, Barcelona as well as Manchester City along with the Merseysiders.
The 20-year-old youngster progressed through the youth ranks of Angers and impressed on a season-long loan last season at the Molineux. A fee of around £9.8m was agreed back in summer to make the deal permanent and the Frenchman, too, grabbed his opportunities amid the injury absence of Jonny Otto and Fernando Marçal.
While Jorge Mendes, his representative, must be in conversations with potential suitors, Wolves are expected to demand a fee in the region of €25million (£21m). They have him tied down until summer 2026 (with an option for a further year), and therefore, likely to make significant financial profit in the forthcoming future.
Should Liverpool Step Up Interest?
Liverpool, meanwhile, are well equipped down the left-hand side of their stable backline. Andrew Robertson is in flying form overcoming early jitters, whereas Kostas Tsimikas has shown his expertise as the understudy to the Scotsman. He has been involved more frequently this term after a slow start to life in Merseyside. James Milner, Neco Williams and Joe Gomez are also capable of occupying the left-back spot and a move for Aït-Nouri makes no sense unless Jurgen Klopp considers him for some other role.
The Wolves prodigy has mostly been deployed as a wingback due to their ‘back three’ system. He has not only proved his defensive traits but also exhibited composure while making overlapping runs and whipping in crosses. His link-up play, cut insides and swift movements depict the attributes of a promising wing forward and it is to be seen now whether the charismatic German chief converts him into one if a deal is struck in the due course of time.
Having said that, Man City must be leading the race given the indefinite absence of Benjamin Mendy. The Les Bleus international is in prison following several allegations and the club, too, have put him into suspension pending an investigation. They do not have an outright left fullback in their squad and are relying on right-back Joao Cancelo and midfield star Oleksandr Zinczenko as makeshift options. Aït-Nouri has a bright future ahead of him, but his next move should be sensible enough to meet the career objectives.
