Manchester City have made one thing increasingly clear about Rayan Ait-Nouri
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s card seems to be marked at Manchester City. The Algerian international has not played a minute in the Premier League for Enzo Maresca’s side. So far this season, Ait-Nouri has only made four appearances for City. He has started two Carabao Cup ties and come off the bench in two UEFA Champions League matches. It seems clear that Enzo Maresca does not have a role for Ait-Nouri in his squad. Therefore, the writing feels to be on the wall in regards to Ait-Nouri’s future at Manchester City. A new report has now linked Ait-Nouri with a move in the January transfer window. That would be for the best for the Algerian international if a move did materialise.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is reportedly pushing to leave Manchester City in January.
Sacha Tavolieri has reported for Sky Sports that Rayan Ait-Nouri is pushing for a January move away from Manchester City. Furthermore, Tavolieri reports that Juventus and Napoli have expressed an interest in signing the talented left-back. It is also reported that City wouod prefer to let Ait-Nouri depart in a permanent deal in January. However, it is considered difficult for Juventus or Napoli to satisfy City’s demands to sell Ait-Nouri. Lastly it is reported that a paid loan in January which includes a buy option may be the only option for Ait-Nouri to secure a move to either Juventus or Napoli.
A January move is exactly what Rayan Ait-Nouri needs.
As of right now, it would come as a major surprise if Rayan Ait-Nouri became a first team regular at Manchester City. He cannot force his way in front of Josko Gvardiol or Nico O’Reilly at left-back. Enzo Maresca trialled Ait-Nouri on a wing during Manchester City’s preseason tour of Asia. However, that trial didn’t result in Ait-Nouri finding a consistent role under Enzo Maresca. There is only one ending to Ait-Nouri’s time at City. That is a January move.
In all honesty, that is what Rayan Ait-Nouri needs. The Algerian international is far too good a player to be on the periphery of the Manchester City squad. He just doesn’t look to be suited to a role in Enzo Maresca’s system. That is unfortunate for Ait-Nouri but that is the reality of how the early stages of the 2026-27 has panned out for him. Hopefully, if the status quo remains, Ait-Nouri can find a move that offers him consistent first team football in January.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s time at Manchester City seems destined to come to an end in January. That news doesn’t come as a surprise and really it now expected that Ait-Nouri will leave City at some point in January.
