Defender understands the expectations involved in playing for a technically demanding team; says “I came here to improve a lot”
Rayan Ait-Nouri understands the stakes involved at a top-level club such as Manchester City and is prepared to do the hard work required to match expectations, the defender has said.
Manchester City completed the signing of the Algerian international from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday in a deal worth £31 million. The player described the move as a “dream come true”.
The 23-year-old arrives at the Etihad with high expectations, having impressed with his technical ability and composure during his time as a left wing-back at Wolves. Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Ait-Nouri expressed his excitement and readiness for the challenge of making the step up by playing under Pep Guardiola.
“I am incredibly happy and honoured to have joined Manchester City. City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true,” said Ait-Nouri.
The promising full-back is eager to learn under Guardiola. He added: “I am also so excited about working with and learning from Pep and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world-class group of players.
Ait-Nouri can solve the problem Guardiola has had at the left-back position for a long time, having played centre backs Josko Gvardiol or Nathan Ake, or even young midfielder Nico O’Reilly there.
If Ait-Nouri locks down that position, Gvardiol will be deployed more often in the centre back position alongside Ruben Dias. Both players complement each other well and Guardiola has previously described their connection as “a really good partnership”.
That new organisation can make City a really solid side at the back, having had serious defensive issues in the underwhelming 2024-25 campaign. O’Reilly, meanwhile, can expect to play centrally more often.
On his own capacity to play in such a technically demanding team, Ait-Nouri said: “I came here to improve a lot. I need to learn and improve my football for sure. It’s why I chose this big challenge.
“I know I can improve my football and being in these kind of conditions with this team and this manager, for sure I will improve my football.”
