Rayan Aït-Nouri’s Manchester City future in doubt as January transfer talks gather pace
Rayan Aït-Nouri could be heading for the Manchester City exit in January, with the Algeria international reportedly considering a move after struggling to secure regular first-team football. Intermediaries are understood to have contacted several clubs about a potential transfer, including Manchester United, as City assess options for the full-back’s future.
The 24-year-old arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2025, but his opportunities have been limited. According to reports, Aït-Nouri has yet to make a Premier League appearance under manager Enzo Maresca. With the January window approaching, a change of club could offer the defender a route back into regular action—and give interested teams the chance to strengthen at left-back.
Limited opportunities raise questions over City future
Aït-Nouri’s situation reflects the intense competition for places at Manchester City, where players are expected to adapt quickly to the manager’s tactical demands. Maresca has publicly indicated that the Algerian is not currently his first-choice option, while reportedly making his view known to sporting director Hugo Viana.
That lack of playing time is significant for a defender who needs consistent minutes to maintain form and remain a regular part of Algeria’s plans. A January departure could therefore benefit both sides: Aït-Nouri would have the opportunity to play more often, while City could reshape their squad and resolve an increasingly uncertain situation before the second half of the season.
Viana is reportedly working on a plan to determine the player’s next step before the transfer window opens. City are said to value Aït-Nouri at around £30 million if a permanent sale is pursued. That figure may prove challenging for clubs seeking to manage their spending, making a loan deal an appealing alternative.
Manchester United among clubs monitoring the defender
Manchester United are among the teams reportedly being kept informed about Aït-Nouri’s availability. The club was offered the chance to sign him on deadline day in the previous window and is understood to have shown interest, although there was not enough time to complete an agreement before the market closed.
Communication between the clubs has since resumed, with intermediaries exploring whether a deal could be arranged in January. A move to Old Trafford would be notable given the rivalry between the Manchester sides. If completed directly from City to United, Aït-Nouri would become the first player to make that switch since Owen Hargreaves joined United in 2011.
That history may add intrigue to the story, but the key questions are likely to be practical: whether United need another left-sided defender, whether the clubs can agree on the financial terms, and whether Aït-Nouri would be guaranteed a more substantial role. His willingness to consider the switch could help negotiations, but interest alone does not mean a transfer is close to completion.
Everton interest depends on Jack Grealish’s situation
Everton have also been linked with the defender, although their ability to pursue a loan may depend on another player’s future. Under Premier League rules, clubs cannot loan two players from the same club at the same time. Everton would therefore need to complete the permanent signing of Jack Grealish before they could bring in Aït-Nouri on loan from City.
The situation makes Everton’s interest more conditional than United’s. Any movement on Grealish could affect the club’s options, while City’s willingness to consider a temporary arrangement may keep the door open. For Everton, Aït-Nouri could offer an experienced Premier League option capable of adding pace and attacking support from the left flank.
Loan transfer could include a permanent-purchase clause
Manchester City are reportedly open to letting Aït-Nouri leave on loan, which would allow potential suitors to avoid paying a major transfer fee upfront. However, the club is expected to seek protection for its investment. One possible condition is an obligation to make the move permanent if the defender reaches an agreed number of appearances.
Such a clause would give the receiving club time to assess how Aït-Nouri fits into its squad while ensuring City can secure a sale if he becomes a regular starter. The appearance threshold, the size of any future fee and the division of the player’s wages would all need to be negotiated before a deal could be finalised.
For City, a loan with a performance-related purchase clause could be a compromise between accepting a lower immediate offer and keeping a player who is not currently central to Maresca’s plans. For Aït-Nouri, the arrangement could provide the playing time he has been unable to find at the Etihad.
January transfer prediction: a loan may be the most realistic route
At this stage, a January exit appears increasingly possible, but the final destination remains uncertain. United’s previous interest and renewed contact make them a prominent contender, while Everton’s route depends on what happens with Grealish. A permanent transfer for around £30 million cannot be ruled out, although a loan containing an appearance-based purchase clause may be the more workable option for clubs seeking to limit their initial spending.
The coming weeks should clarify whether Aït-Nouri is viewed as a short-term addition or a longer-term investment. His next move will depend not only on City’s valuation but also on the role a prospective club can offer. With the January window approaching, the defender’s search for regular football is likely to remain one of the more closely watched Premier League transfer stories.
