Sources close to Molineux News believe that Liverpool will have an impact on Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future at Wolves.
Ait-Nouri has been linked to Liverpool, however, that’s not why the Reds have been backed to have a say in the Algerian’s summer plans.
Vitor Pereira doesn’t want a mass exodus at Wolves, which is what fans have grown accustomed to seeing at Molineux in previous transfer windows.
It’s understood that Wolves are working to offer Ait-Nouri a new contract in a bid to keep the left-back in the West Midlands, but it might not be that simple.
Transfer expert expects Liverpool to impact Rayan Ait-Nouri’s future at Wolves
Ait-Nouri has generated transfer interest among top-six clubs, who are charmed by the 23-year-old’s 2024/25 campaign.
With 11 goal contributions in this season’s Premier League, it’s unsurprising that clubs are alerted to the level that the defender has been hitting.
To add to transfer speculation, Ait-Nouri changed his agents, leaving behind Jorge Mendes, a long-term servant in Wolves’ transfer sphere.
Though clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United have been linked to the Algeria international, it’s thought to be Liverpool who will have a say over his future, and here’s why.
Speaking exclusively to Molineux News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey of TBR believes that Liverpool will set the tone for defensive sales and purchases in the summer.
“I think it’s an interesting market, the left-back one. Liverpool are going to set the bar for the left-back market,” Bailey said, before explaining how such could impact Wolves.
“Whatever they [Liverpool] pay for Milos Kerkez, if it is Kerkez, that will set the market. I think Wolves will use that as their barometer, that’ll be the fee around that ballpark figure.
“So if it’s £40m-£45m, that’ll be their fee. I think that’s where we are with it, but I think Wolves would be very happy for him to stay.”
Bailey predicts that the summer market will be one to study in the left-back position, as the Premier League champions are set to begin their hunt for a new pair of full-backs.
Wolves have to be bold with Ait-Nouri demand
If Bailey’s early transfer call materialises, then Wolves will be hoping to see Liverpool pay big money for a new left-back.
Whether that is Ait-Nouri remains to be seen, but what could happen is a domino effect regarding how much the Old Gold opt to value the 23-year-old at.
Still so young and so early into his career, the defender has a lot of strings to his bow, with his Premier League-proven quality and attacking strengths to name a few.
As a result, Wolves must aim high with their valuation of Ait-Nouri, who is a profile difficult to come by, being a player perfectly suited to play as a wing-back.
It’s yet to be determined where Wolves stand with Ait-Nouri, who is generating transfer interest from rival clubs, as well as feeling wanted by his current side, whom he is admired by.