Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is subject to interest from Liverpool
Liverpool reporter David Lynch has provided the latest update on Liverpool-linked Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Rayan Ait-Nouri completed a strong 2023/24 season with Wolves, thriving as an attacking left wing-back under Gary O’Neil. He was a consistent performer for the Midlands outfit, bagging three goals and two assists in 38 games across all competitions.
The Algeria international’s performances in the Premier League haven’t unsurprisingly gone unnoticed, with many top clubs vying for his signature. The Reds have shown an interest in signing the 23-year-old this summer, with Algerian outlet La Gazette du Fennec confirming last week that Anfield will be the left-back’s most likely destination.
And speaking on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, the reliable David Lynch has now supported those rumours, stating a strong relationship between Liverpool and Ait-Nouri’s agency.
“Just because he’s been linked so frequently recently, and obviously Liverpool have a great relationship with his agency,” Lynch said.
“So, I think that there’s definitely something in that.”
Ait-Nouri is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency (Transfermarkt), along with Liverpool stars Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. So, the Reds’ cordial relationship with Jorge Mendes and Gestifute could pave the way for a potential deal for the Wolves star.
However, Lynch recognised that Liverpool would likely need to sell first before any move is made to bring in a new left-back this summer. Among Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, the latter could depart Anfield to make space in the squad for the addition of a new left-back.
“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,” he added.
“So, it’s maybe something that you’ve got wait until Tsimikas gets something. But I think there could be real legs in that [with Ait-Nouri].”
Robertson has been Liverpool’s No.1 left-back for many years now. However, with him turning 30 and not having the best of times in the last two seasons in terms of fitness, we do need to come up with a succession plan for the Scot. Tsimikas has also had his moments for the Reds, famously scoring the winner at Wembley against Chelsea in the FA Cup final shootout in 2022.
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Tsimikas hasn’t done enough to prove he is the individual to replace Robertson in the long run at Anfield. By offloading the Greek, Arne Slot must push for Ait-Nouri’s signing. Blessed with a great engine, technical skills, physicality and pace, the France-born star would be a brilliant addition to the Reds’ ranks. Plus, he has the versatility to operate as a wing-back, left-sided midfielder and left-winger and contribute heavily in attacking transitions.
Ait-Nouri will not be allowed to leave Wolves for less than €40 million this summer—a price our club should generally not have a problem paying. That said, we must push to sign the Algerian before other clubs start circling.
