Liverpool eye Rayan Ait-Nouri to provide competition to Andy Robertson
With the upcoming Premier League season slightly more than a month away, Liverpool have to get the ball rolling in the transfer market after a barren run in the summer so far. With international competitions taking place all across the world and a new head coach coming in, the Reds have adopted a wait-and-watch approach for now.
Arne Slot will expect to make a decent amount of additions in the summer with his club having been linked with several players from across Europe, with the latest being Rayan Ait-Nouri, as per Football Insider.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back has emerged on Liverpool’s radar as a realistic option to not just add backup for Andy Robertson but also compete with him for a first-XI spot. The Scottish skipper is 30 and has lost a yard of pace over the last few years. Bringing in a young deputy will not just give Liverpool strength in depth but also keep Robertson on his toes.
While the Reds have Konstantinos Tsimikas as a natural left-back, his form has deteriorated considerably since the start of 2024, therefore prompting the club to consider its choices in the transfer market. Whether a move for Ait-Nouri will spell the end for the Greek Scouser at Anfield remains to be seen.
Ait-Nouri, only 23, has been one of the English top-flight’s better full-backs in the last season or two. His versatility is also an asset as he is able to play further forward as a left wing-back and slot into the left-hand side of midfield as well.
With that said, he could leave Wolves sooner or later in order to play for a bigger side and Liverpool would be one of the most ideal destinations. Like Robertson’s, Ait-Nouri’s contract at the Molineux also expires in June 2026, which means this year may be Wolves’ last chance to receive a significant transfer fee for him with a sizeable bargaining power in their hands.
As per Transfermarkt, the Algerian international’s valuation stands at €35 million, although considering his age and prominence to The Wanderers, there is every chance for them to charge a premium. Given the sky-high potential he possesses in an area that is critical in today’s game, the Reds will be well served to go for the jugular.
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However, with Robertson still at the peak of his game and having a few more years under his belt, it remains to be seen if Slot is willing to bench him if the inconsistency shows up in 2024/25. How well the new era will treat the heroes of the previous one remains to be seen.
