Rayan Ait-Nouri. (REUTERS/Ian Walton)
By their own high standards, Manchester City endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign—one that has triggered a significant shift in transfer strategy heading into the summer.
For the first time in eight years, Pep Guardiola’s side finished the season without lifting a major trophy (the Community Shield aside). They ended third in the Premier League, fell to a shock defeat against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley, exited the Carabao Cup in the fourth round, and failed to progress beyond the Champions League knockout round play-offs—just two years after conquering Europe.
In light of the underwhelming season, City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak acknowledged that the club’s conservative approach to the previous transfer window—when only Savinho was added and Ilkay Gündogan returned—left them under-equipped. Speaking in his annual end-of-season interview, Al-Mubarak confirmed that a more proactive strategy is already underway.
“I can tell you today, we have clearly identified who exactly are the targets, in what positions, and we have our clear number one option, our clear number two option,” he said. “And we’ll go about our business, and it will be very clear, very swift.”
True to his word, the club is wasting no time. Reports suggest a deal is already in place to bring in AC Milan midfielder Tijani Reijnders, and another addition could be confirmed imminently as City ramp up preparations for a summer of transformation.
City Close to Sealing Deal for Aït-Nouri
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are on the verge of securing a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri.
The Algerian international was one of Wolves’ standout performers in what was otherwise a tough season for the club. He registered 11 goal contributions in the Premier League—scoring four times and providing seven assists—while showcasing his attacking instincts and technical quality from the left flank.
Taking to X, Romano reported that the deal is progressing quickly, with the player already giving his approval for the move.
“Manchester City are advancing on Rayan Aït-Nouri deal after initial talks taking place with Wolves,” Romano wrote. “Next steps to follow in the upcoming days after player’s green light.”
The 23-year-old is expected to cost City between £40 million and £45 million.
If the transfer goes ahead as planned, former Wolves coach Edu Rubio—who worked closely with Aït-Nouri during the 2022–23 season—believes he’ll slot perfectly into Guardiola’s system.
“His technical competency, his ability and skill in tight areas—keeping the ball close to his feet—give him the opportunity to fit perfectly into Pep Guardiola’s possession-based play,” Rubio told BBC Sport. “He can also dribble with speed, to get the team up the pitch driving with the ball, which is probably what Manchester City need right now—players who can break lines.”
With both midfield and full-back reinforcements now firmly in motion, City’s summer rebuild is gathering pace—and fans can expect more swift movement in the coming weeks.
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