The deadline for Wolverhampton Wanderers to trigger their option to buy on Rayan Ait-Nouri has reportedly now passed.
According to The Athletic, the clause – understood to be £20 million – has now expired.
The publication say that doesn’t necessarily mean the club won’t negotiate another deal for him.
They also state that Wolves are looking at other left-back options.
Apparently, the club will only sign one if Ruben Vinagre moves on.
Vinagre spent last season on loan at Olympiacos and then Farmalicao.
He has reportedly been the subject of interest from Sporting CP and Benfica in recent weeks.
Ait-Nouri made a decent impression in 2020/21.
He made 24 appearances for the club, often covering for the injured Jonny Castro Otto.
He drew praise for his attacking qualities, but also some criticism for his defending and positioning.
Wolves should renegotiate with Angers
The £20 million option to buy may have passed, but Wolves should still be looking to bring Ait-Nouri back.
There is no denying the 20-year-old’s potential.
Yes, he was a little suspect defensively at times in 2020/21.
But that’s something fairly common in young full-backs, and he will improve that side of his game.
If Wolves can offload Vinagre, then perhaps they should see if Angers would be willing to accept a bit less than the original £20 million figure.