Liverpool in pole position to sign Premier League left-back on Manchester City radar

Liverpool remain ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea in the race for Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri

Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

With Jurgen Klopp’s departure and the arrival of Arne Slot, Liverpool are planning to make changes to their squad over the summer transfer window. Defensive reinforcements are a priority for the Reds this summer, with a new centre-back reportedly on top of the list. The signing of a left-back also appears on the agenda following the Reds’ interest in Rayan Ait-Nouri.

According to Algerian journalist Abdel Hamed (h/t The Liverpool ECHO), Liverpool are in pole position to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri, who will leave Wolves this summer. Top Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the mix, but Liverpool supposedly remain in the front of the queue for the left-back’s signature.

Ait-Nouri joined Wolves on loan in 2021 from French side Angers SCO and his move was made permanent at the end of the 2020/21 campaign. He has developed into one of the best left-backs/wing-backs in the Premier League in the last 12-15 months, delivering consistent performances for the Midlands outfit.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign, bagging three goals and two assists in 38 games across all competitions for Gary O’Neil’s side. Ait-Nouri thrived as a left wing-back in Gary O’Neil’s system and made his presence felt in the final third, as evidenced by his goal contributions.

Liverpool could do well with an attacking left-back like Ait-Nouri. Andy Robertson has been a brilliant servant for the club and one of the strongest pillars in the Jurgen Klopp era, although he has endured a tough time with injuries in the last couple of years and recently turned 30. Yet, he is still expected to start as the first-choice left-back for new manager Arne Slot.

Kostas Tsimikas, Robertson’s backup, wasn’t at his best last season, and if the Reds are to compete on all fronts in the 2024/25 campaign, he would need replacing with a more dynamic profile. At 23 years of age, Ait-Nouri would be an immediate upgrade on Tsimikas and provide Liverpool with a long-term solution at left-back. Should he move to Anfield, though, the Algerian would likely start as a deputy to Robertson but quickly challenge him for his spot in the starting XI.

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For a player of his age, quality and potential, we should quickly close a deal for Ait-Nouri before other clubs start circling.