Liverpool in Pole Position to Sign Wolves Left-Back Rayan Ait-Nouri
Recent reports have put Liverpool in the spotlight as potential frontrunners to sign Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri. Algerian outlet La Gazette du Fennec has been at the forefront of these claims, indicating that the Reds are in “pole position” to secure the 23-year-old’s signature.
Strong Interest from Liverpool
Algerian journalist Abdel Hamed sparked interest when he tweeted that Ait-Nouri was set to leave Wolves this summer, with Liverpool as the leading contenders. According to Hamed, the left-back is keen to be coached by Jurgen Klopp, and despite the appointment of Arne Slot, his decision remains unchanged.
Despite competition from Chelsea and Manchester City, Hamed highlighted that an “unclear project” at Stamford Bridge and “less freedom” under Pep Guardiola have influenced Ait-Nouri’s preference for Liverpool.
Financial Implications and Release Clauses
La Gazette du Fennec reports that Wolves will not entertain offers below €40 million (£33.9m), while Ait-Nouri’s release clause stands at €45 million (£38.2m). Sources in Ait-Nouri’s homeland are confident that he will depart Wolves this summer, with Liverpool being his most probable destination.
David Lynch, speaking on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, corroborated these claims, stating, “Just because he’s been linked so frequently recently, and obviously Liverpool have a great relationship with his agency… So I think that there’s definitely something in that.”
Ait-Nouri’s representation by Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency, which also manages Liverpool players such as Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, strengthens the connection. Lynch added that a transfer is plausible, given the strong ties between the club and the agency.
Potential Departures to Fund the Move
Liverpool’s strategy involves selling players before making significant purchases. Kostas Tsimikas is a potential candidate for sale, with his future at Anfield uncertain. This move would free up space for Ait-Nouri to compete with Andy Robertson for the left-back position.
Lynch noted, “I think Kostas is a bit of a candidate for moving on this summer, but obviously that actually has to happen, something has to give on that… You can’t just keep adding left-backs and then hope it works itself out, Liverpool never operate like that.”
The possibility of Rayan Ait-Nouri joining Liverpool is gaining traction, supported by credible sources and strong links between the club and the player’s agency. While financial negotiations and potential player sales remain hurdles, Liverpool’s strategic moves in the transfer market could see Ait-Nouri in a Reds shirt soon. La Gazette du Fennec’s insights have provided a clearer picture of the situation, emphasizing Liverpool’s leading position in this potential transfer.
