Man City’s three winners and two losers as Rayan Ait-Nouri completes £34m move to Pep Guardiola’s side

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Rayan Ait-Nouri has finally become a Manchester City player.

Manchester City have signed Ait-Nouri for £34 million as he has become their first addition of the 2025 summer transfer window.

The Sky Blues seemed convinced that the Algerian international would be the perfect addition, with Manchester City prioritising Ait-Nouri’s signing over Antonee Robinson despite targeting the latter.

With the 24-year-old’s move to the Etihad Stadium now being announced, there could be three winners and two losers at City from his arrival.

Winners from Man City signing Rayan Ait-Nouri

Jeremy Doku

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku should be delighted about playing alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri, as a high-flying left-back like the now-former Wolves defender could make life much easier for several reasons.

Firstly, if Ait-Nouri is deployed as a traditional left-back by Pep Guardiola, Doku could get more room to create havoc in the final third as opposition defences will not solely focus on taming his threat down the flank.

Furthermore, the Belgian will have the option of combining with Manchester City’s latest recruit down the flank and forming a potentially dangerous partnership with him; something he has been unable to do with the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake as they are not attacking full-backs.

Phil Foden

Phil Foden played the best football of his career as a left-sided inside forward and if Ait-Nouri is asked to hold the width down the left flank.

Manchester City back Foden to return to form and alongside Ait-Nouri, the Englishman could cause mayhem as two such technically gifted players could have lots of chemistry playing in tight pockets of space.

With the latter also being an incisive passer, he could potentially play the 25-year-old into goalscoring positions time and again, much like Gvardiol did during the former’s outstanding 2023/2024 campaign.

Erling Haaland

During his time at Manchester City, Erling Haaland has never played with a traditional full-back at his disposal but next season, he is set to do so after Ait-Nouri’s addition to the Sky Blues’ roster.

Last season, City’s new-boy registered seven assists in the Premier League despite playing for a Wolves side that finished 16th in the division.

For Ait-Nouri himself, playing alongside Haaland could mean he becomes even more of a creative threat as the latter is arguably the best striker in the world.

Losers from Rayan Ait-Nouri sealing Manchester City move

Nico O’Reilly

Guardiola sees Nico O’Reilly as an attacking midfielder but with Rayan Cherki set to join Manchester City and Foden being a number 10 as well, he might not get much of a look-in despite having shone in the first-team.

Ait-Nouri could further impact the Englishman’s chances of playing regular football as unlike the latter, he is a natural left-back.

Unless the now-Manchester City defender ends up being a disappointment, it is difficult to see O’Reilly featuring regularly in the senior side for the foreseeable future.

Nathan Ake

Despite having largely impressed during his time at City, Nathan Ake could be a bit-part player next season.

Pep Guardiola praised Gvardiol and Ruben Dias’ partnership at centre-back and the likes of Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Vitor Reis will all compete for a place in his starting line-up.

While at left-back, Ait-Nouri will likely get the nod from the get-go, which could mean Ake might have to become accustomed to watching this Manchester City side from the sidelines next season.