There will likely be a lot of speculation about the future of Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer.
The Algeria international has struggled at times this season, but has still chipped in with nine goal contributions.
So despite not having his best season, he’s still made a good impact and that is likely to mean clubs come calling this summer.
Ait-Nouri is already on the radars of top clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea, with Manchester City having also been linked with the past.
There is just a feeling that this summer might be his time to go, as he will have been at the club for five years.
Ait-Nouri initially joined Wolves on loan from Angers, buying him a year later. There is a very large sell-on clause for the French side, but Wanderers have the chance to get rid of it for a fee.
What Wolves must pay to remove Rayan Ait-Nouri sell-on clause
It has been widely reported that Angers hold a 50% sell-on clause over Ait-Nouri, which becomes effective for the transfer he makes away from Molineux.
That is unusually high, but seemingly it was part of the reason Wolves were able to sign Ait-Nouri fairly cheaply at £10 million.
Wolves originally held an option to buy Ait-Nouri for just over £20 million.
But the deadline for that option passed according to The Athletic, and Wolves then renegotiated with Angers. That renegotiation then resulted in the inclusion of the 50% sell-on clause.
But Wolves do have the chance to get that clause removed, which might be something they look to do this summer as they potentially consider a sale.
And there is word on how much it will cost to do this.
Nathan Judah said on the E&S podcast: “He hasn’t had the best season, as a lot of them haven’t had. But I feel like if you’re going to sell someone at the levels they need to, and look, they are going to have to negotiate with Angers and potentially pay this £9 million or whatever it is.
Liam Keen: “Yeah, it’s about £9.5 million I believe.”
Judah: “You’re looking at £40 million for Rayan Ait-Nouri, or high 30s.
Wolves may have Ait-Nouri replacement already lined up
The expectation this summer is that Matheus Cunha will leave, but there could also be another big sale in addition to the Brazilian.
Joao Gomes is a possible exit, but Ait-Nouri also feels somewhat likely, given he’s been at the club a few years now.
His stock is high, and Fosun may see this as the perfect chance to cash in. That 50% sell-on clause is far from ideal and could really hurt Wolves when they come to sell him, so the club paying the £9.5 million to get it removed feels likely.
Molineux News was recently told that there’s a good chance Hugo Bueno could be Ait-Nouri’s replacement next season.
The Spaniard has been impressing out on loan at Feyenoord, and the timing might be just right for him to return and be a starter from 2025/26 onwards.
Bueno could save Wolves millions, which will no doubt appeal to Fosun.