Godwin ObajeRayan Aït‑Nouri bids farewell to Wolves with classy 96‑word message as move to Manchester City is confirmed
Rayan Aït-Nouri has formally departed Wolverhampton Wanderers after five memorable seasons and sealed a move to Premier League champions Manchester City on a five-year deal, officially announced on Monday, 9 June.
In a touching 96‑word note posted via Wolves’ official channels, the Algerian defender expressed gratitude and pride, leaving Molineux on dignified terms. The curled farewell is a fitting end to an era defined by energetic attacking flair and constant growth.
A fitting farewell from Molineux
Aït-Nouri’s message to Wolves supporters encapsulated a heartfelt and dignified goodbye. Expressing thanks directly to the fans, club staff and coaching team, he reflected on his time as “five incredible seasons” during which he “grew both as a player and person.”
He acknowledged the fans’ unwavering support through several highs and lows and voiced excitement for the next chapter. It was an emblematic show of class and humility from a player who developed into one of Wolves’ most dynamic stars.
A return on investment: Wolves’ financial model at work
City have reportedly paid an initial fee in the region of £32 million, rising to £36.3 million with add‑ons, for the 24‑year‑old . That price represents a striking return on Wolves’ original outlay of around £9.8 million in 2021, with the player now having delivered a net profit exceeding £20 million since arriving from Angers .
This move follows Wolves’ recent sale of forward Matheus Cunha to Manchester United in a £62.5 million deal — a summer of big departures that echoes the club’s model: developing talent and selling at the peak of value .
Aït-Nouri’s progression: From promising teenager to established Premier League star
Aït-Nouri’s career arc began in France with Angers, before a loan move to Wolves in October 2020, where he swiftly showed glimpses of his talent, scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace . Wolves secured his permanent transfer in July 2021 on a five-year contract, complete with an option for a sixth .
Despite a turbulent season under Julen Lopetegui, he found form again with the arrival of Gary O’Neil, becoming a key player, making 38 appearances in 2023–24, and growing into one of the Premier League’s most effective attacking full-backs . In the 2024–25 campaign, he made another 37 league starts — scoring four goals and delivering seven assists .
He rose to prominence statistically, ranking among the top defenders across Europe’s five major leagues for assists, goals and chances created . His dribbling and creative ability, including averaging 2.4 successful take-ons per 90, positioned him in the top 2% at his position .
Fans and pundits: A favourite to watch
Wolves supporters and football pundits alike witnessed and applauded Aït-Nouri’s rise. Sports commentator Andy Mitten noted he completed more dribbles than any other defender in Europe’s top five leagues .
Former manager Lopetegui benched him, yet under O’Neil he flourished — a reawakening captured in quotes:
“I’m very happy… we won a lot of important games… For sure, I’ve grown up this season.”
“I wasn’t in the coach’s plans… but things can happen like a coach leaves… I’m happy with the new one.”
His versatility, readiness to learn, and professionalism earned near-unanimous praise throughout his tenure.
Why Manchester City made the move
City view Aït-Nouri as a high-potential addition to bolster their full-back department, with an eye on the Club World Cup in June .
City director Hugo Viana, when announcing the move, noted:
“We have been following him closely… He already has extensive Premier League experience and has also demonstrated his quality at international level with Algeria.”
Aït‑Nouri himself said:
“City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true. I am also so excited about working with and learning from Pep… and getting to train and play alongside such a world class group of players.”
Pep Guardiola’s team are preparing for their match in the Club World Cup on 18 June, and Aït‑Nouri’s inclusion before the deadline ensures he can participate in the tournament .
What Wolves lose — and still have
Losing Aït‑Nouri is a blow: his energy, attacking threat and defensive capability made him a lynchpin. Wolves owner Fosun have used funds from Cunha’s sale to reinvest but face the challenge of replacing two central figures this summer.
Wolves technical staff stressed they would not “let everyone go,” but financial reality makes selling one more star likely . Meanwhile, they may activate a clause to buy out Angers’ 50% sell‑on stipulation for around £9.5m to maximise returns .
Under O’Neil, expectations remain modest yet ambitious: mid-table consolidation, tactical discipline, and a collective effort to cover the loss. Hugo Bueno — currently on loan at Feyenoord — is reportedly in line to assume left-back duties, though confidence in the squad’s depth will be tested .
Aït‑Nouri steps up at City
At Manchester City, competition is fierce. Aït‑Nouri joins teammates such as Josko Gvardiol and Levi Colwill, and Pep Guardiola may utilise him in rotational shafts across domestic and continental campaigns. Guardiola values full-backs who can contribute to his tactical fluidity, and Aït‑Nouri’s blend of attacking verve and defensive work fits well.
He will also benefit from City’s cutting-edge coaching environment, elite training facilities, and the winning mentality instilled at the Etihad. Guardiola’s approach – tactical, technical, and psychological – is designed to accelerate progression, and Aït‑Nouri has openly said he’s “excited about working with and learning from Pep” .
International impact
Internationally, Aït-Nouri opted to represent Algeria in 2023 after initially featuring for France youth teams . He has earned 17 caps with the Desert Foxes, taking part in AFCON qualifiers and tournaments.
His Premier League form, now amplified by a City move, could elevate his role in Algeria’s squad, especially leading into future tournaments.
The next chapter begins
As Wolves bid a tight-lipped yet heartfelt farewell, their supporters will remember Aït‑Nouri’s driving runs, relentless spirit, and key contributions across turbulent seasons. A final message:
“I can’t wait to get started and to play in front of our supporters.”
That message resonates twice now — with Wolves faithful and a new fanbase at the Etihad.
Final thoughts
This transfer encapsulates modern football’s dual nature: emotional attachment paired with commercial pragmatism. Wolves have again monetised their youth development policy, turning talent into profit. Aït‑Nouri makes the step into elite competition under Guardiola, where his trajectory could head skywards — or risk stagnation if opportunities are scarce. City’s defence-to-attack transitions and tactical dynamism offer him a perfect canvas.
For Wolves, this is yet another era ending, another test of their model. Their ability to reinvest smartly, reinforce wisely, and remain competitive will define them — as much as selling smart did again.
Godwin Obaje
