Signed for around €37m in summer 2025, the Algerian full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri has made only four appearances this season at Manchester City, without a single minute in the Premier League. Manchester United are monitoring his situation.
The number is dizzying. Four matches in all competitions, for a total of 168 minutes: that is Rayan Aït-Nouri’s record since the start of the season in a Manchester City shirt, according to Sport.fr. The Algeria international left-back, who arrived in summer 2025 from Wolverhampton for around €37 million, is now left with only the crumbs that competition allows him.
In the Premier League, the picture is even harsher: not a single minute played. Shut out in particular by Joško Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly in coach Enzo Maresca’s selections, the former Wolf has seen his playing time cut to almost nothing. A situation that is fuelling speculation about a departure as early as the January 2027 winter transfer window, with Manchester United lying in wait.
Competition that sends him back to the bench
In Enzo Maresca’s thinking, the pecking order seems clear. Joško Gvardiol, a centre-back by trade, and Nico O’Reilly, a midfielder or defender, are preferred to Aït-Nouri on the left flank. The Algerian’s attacking output, renowned for his runs and the quality of his crossing, has not been enough to turn the tide.
With four appearances and 168 minutes to his name, the former Wolverhampton player cuts the figure of a luxury substitute. A status that is hard to bear for a 25-year-old international, especially one signed for close to €37 million. Sport.fr notes that his contract with the Citizens runs until June 2030, which gives Manchester City a position of strength in any negotiation.
Manchester United on the lookout
According to information from transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg, relayed by Sport.fr, Manchester United are following Aït-Nouri’s situation very closely and like his profile. The Red Devils, who are enduring a catastrophic start to the season with just one win in ten Premier League matchdays, are looking to strengthen their left flank in the winter transfer window.
Also according to Sport.fr, the player would be open to leaving as early as January and personal terms should not pose any major problem. But the City club have already blocked a concrete proposal, reluctant to strengthen their neighbour directly. A stance that will surprise no one: Manchester City had already refused to let Aït-Nouri go last summer, when Manchester United had approached him, according to Football Insider.
His market value is now estimated at €35 million, a slight discount on the €37 million invested in summer 2025. A figure to be taken with caution, but one that illustrates the paradox of a player bought for a high fee and left on the bench. The ball is now in the court of the Manchester City directors, who will have to decide whether they prioritise squad depth or a sale as early as this winter.
A saga to follow until January
This story is only just beginning. The January 2027 winter transfer window will give Manchester City the chance to settle the question of a possible departure for Aït-Nouri. Discussions between Manchester United and the player’s entourage are expected to continue, according to Sport.fr, even though no agreement is in sight yet.
For the Algeria international, the stakes are twofold: to regain playing time a few months before important fixtures with the national team, and not to let an entire season slip by on the bench. The coming weeks will tell whether Maresca offers him a way out or whether he will have to bide his time until the summer. One thing is certain: in Manchester, the Aït-Nouri file is far from closed.