Rayan Ait-Nouri could consider leaving Manchester City

A Rayan Ait-Nouri departure from Manchester City is being contemplated, but it is not a done deal: the Algeria defender could consider leaving if his situation does not change quickly. His limited role under new manager Enzo Maresca and his omission from the squad to face Nottingham Forest are reported to have tested his patience, Mundo Deportivo reports.

Ait-Nouri has yet to play a Premier League match and was not even named in Saturday’s squad. He has nevertheless been described as one of Manchester City’s most natural left-backs, despite having few opportunities. A move in January is presented as a possibility; if that does not happen, a departure in June is also being considered. Both scenarios depend on his situation changing quickly.

A late-window loan move to Manchester United had also been considered. Manchester City wanted any potential agreement to include an option to buy, however, and the transfer did not happen. The only start for Ait-Nouri mentioned in this account came in the League Cup against Norwich City, a Championship side.

The defender’s situation comes as Manchester City endure a difficult spell. Their 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest extended a poor run. Jair Cunha dispossessed Josko Gvardiol to open the scoring, before Liam Delap struck twice on the break. Forest consequently claimed their first home league win since April.

After the match, Maresca said he thought « the problem today was collective ». He also said Manchester City had lost the duels and physical contests in the first half, and needed to understand why they had struggled against a side fighting relegation. He added that the second and third goals came after lost duels in midfield and then near the edge of the box.

The Nottingham Forest defeat followed more setbacks. Last week, Manchester City had also lost at home to Brighton, after a 2-1 away defeat by Aston Villa. Those results form the immediate backdrop to questions about Ait-Nouri’s role, but do not confirm that he will leave.