Follow our page
Select us as a favored source on Google
According to media reports, Manchester City full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to depart the Etihad Stadium and might secure an unexpected transfer come January.
City boast an extraordinarily deep squad across every position, housing several squad members who could strengthen competing clubs yet are unlikely to ever secure regular starting spots under the reigning Premier League leaders.
While few outgoing City players would ever head to Manchester United, Ait-Nouri could potentially complete a rare direct switch across the city to Old Trafford.
Rayan Ait-Nouri reportedly in talks regarding a potential move to Man United
Multiple teams are eyeing the Algerian defender, with TEAMtalk reporter Graeme Bailey revealing that Man United are among his suitors. Having monitored him during the closing stages of the previous transfer market, the Red Devils could pursue a deal in January.
“Rayan Ait-Nouri is expected to depart Manchester City this coming January, as representatives are already in dialogue with numerous sides, including Manchester United,” Bailey stated.
“The full-back has yet to play a single Premier League minute under Enzo Maresca, who has conveyed his assessment of the player to City sporting director Hugo Viana.
“It is understood that Viana is actively preparing an exit strategy, as the club aims to settle the defender’s situation prior to the opening of the January window.”
The 25-year-old defender arrived at Man City from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 2025 summer window. Despite committing to a five-year deal, he has struggled to cement his place, featuring in fewer than half of the team’s Premier League fixtures throughout 2025/26.
This term, his game time has been restricted to domestic cup ties and Champions League league-stage fixtures. The left-sided defender made brief appearances in victories over Porto and AEK Athens, remaining on the bench throughout City’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Algerian international took part in Wednesday’s match as Man City eliminated Brighton & Hove Albion via a penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup. He had previously completed the entire 90 minutes in the preceding round against Norwich City.
These outings mark his complete contribution for the current campaign, making a departure appear to be the most sensible option for the defender as he seeks to reinvigorate his career.
“Dialogues between the interested parties have recommenced, with agents attempting to determine if a winter transfer can be finalized,” Bailey noted.
“It is believed that Ait-Nouri would welcome a transition across town, a transfer that would render him the first player to move directly between City and United since Owen Hargreaves did so back in 2011.”
