Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri
According to a report from CaughtOffside, Liverpool representatives have met with Wolverhampton Wanderers to gather information about Rayan Ait-Nouri and discuss the conditions they will need to fulfil to secure the left-back’s signature this summer.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has been linked with an exit from Wolves for several months after an impressive 2023/24 season. He was a consistent performer for Gary O’Neil’s side last season, bagging three goals and two assists in 38 games across all competitions. Operating as a left-back or left-wing-back, the Algeria international caught the attention of Liverpool.
Although there have been suggestions that the 23-year-old has a release clause worth in the region of £38million, Wolves are yet to confirm whether that is true since the summer transfer window commenced. Now, the aforementioned report claims that the Wanderers value Ait-Nouri at €45m and won’t allow him to leave for anything less in this transfer window.
Liverpool aren’t the only Premier League club interested in the Algerian full-back. Chelsea and Manchester City officials have also enquired about the 23-year-old, who is open to leaving Molineux if he receives a suitable contract and wage offer.
The Reds are entering a transitional phase after Jurgen Klopp’s nine years at Anfield ended in May. The legendary Klopp has been replaced by Arne Slot, but the club are yet to make any summer signings. This is perhaps due to Arne Slot wanting more time to evaluate his squad, but now that Euro 2024 and Copa America have concluded, there is hope that our club’s transfer window kickstarts.
Ait-Nouri has emerged as a target for Liverpool. He is supposedly a realistic option to not just add backup for Andy Robertson but also compete with him for a spot in Slot’s starting XI. Robertson has been a fantastic servant for the Merseyside outfit over the years but he has had a torrid time with injuries of late. Plus, the Scotsman has turned 30 and lost a yard of pace or two in recent seasons.
Thus, bringing in a young left-back will not just give the Reds strength in depth but also not allow Robertson to drop his performance levels. Ait-Nouri could be perfect for Liverpool, improving their first XI as well as squad depth. He would be an upgrade over the inconsistent Kostas Tsimikas while providing Slot’s team with the flexibility of operating in multiple positions. Pacey, is energetic and a good reader of the game, the Algerian is also defensively sound and would be a top option to have when defending against tricky wingers.
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For one of the most exciting left-back/wing-back talents in the Premier League, Wolves’ valuing Ait-Nouri at €45m is justified. Given Chelsea and Man City’s interest in the player too, Liverpool must look to poach Ait-Nouri from the Midlands as quickly as possible.
