Transfer News: PSG join Liverpool in race for 22-year-old defender

PSG join Liverpool in the race to land Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri

Liverpool have been keeping a close watch on Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri but now find themselves facing competition from French champions PSG for his signature.

The 22-year-old arrived at the Molineux from French side Angers in 2022, initially on loan before making the deal permanent a year later. He has since gone on to carve a neat reputation for himself in the English top-flight.

A left-back, Ait-Nouri is one of the best young prospects in the role in the Premier League. Solid full-backs are well worth their price in gold and should the 22-year-old develop as expected, could evolve into one of the best in the business.

Liverpool already have one of the best left-backs in world football, Andy Robertson. While the Scottish skipper continues to hold the fort in the Reds’ playing XI, he is not getting any younger and years of high-intensity football is taking its toll. Kostas Tsimikas is a decent deputy but Jurgen Klopp and Co could do with a long-term replacement lined up.

A solid tackler, Ait-Nouri is also adept at pushing forward and is a reliable dribbler. His experience in the Premier League should make life easier for him should a move to Anfield materialise. The Algerian international is far from the finished product and under Klopp could elevate his game to a higher level.

According to Sportzone (h/t Liverpool Echo), Paris Saint-Germain have earmarked Ait-Nouri as a priority target and will prove to be dogged opponents in our efforts to sign him. Luis Enrique’s side have made the Algerian their top target for the January transfer window and could beat us to the punch.

PSG are flush and have shown the willingness to outbid teams in the past. This is bad news for the Reds who love themselves a bargain. A move to the Parc des Princes will see Ait-Nouri compete for a spot with Nuno Mendes and Juan Bernat. Opting to move to a Liverpool side that is now rebuilding could prove to be a wiser choice in the long run.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool are the favourites to sign highly-rated Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo during the January transfer window
• Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola talks about his argument with Liverpool star Darwin Nunez
• Nathan Ake namedrops Liverpool stars causing Manchester City trouble in the 1-1 draw

Having rebuilt their midfield, the Reds will now seek to strengthen their options at the back in 2024. Ait-Nouti has the opportunity to be a part of something special. Whether he will opt to move to Anfield or return to France remains to be seen.