Barcelona intensify hunt for Manchester City left‑back Rayan Ait‑Nouri

Barcelona are monitoring Manchester City defender Rayan Ait‑Nouri as his future appears set to be decided in the January transfer window.

The story has been accompanied by more videos showing Ait‑Nouri at the Etihad Stadium.

Reports use both spellings Ait‑Nouri and Aït‑Nouri.

Rayan Ait‑Nouri arrived at Manchester City as one of the Premier League’s most exciting left‑backs, but his time at the Etihad Stadium has not gone to plan under either of the two managers he has operated under.

His playing time is even more scarce under Enzo Maresca than it was when Pep Guardiola prowled the touchline.

The Algerian international’s future is looking increasingly likely to be resolved in the coming January market rather than over the season.

His situation has attracted attention across the continent, putting him on the radar of several European heavyweights, including clubs favoured to win the UEFA Champions League.

Fresh links to one of the world’s most prestigious sides have revived the prospect of a winter move away from the Etihad Stadium for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player.

Barcelona eye Ait‑Nouri

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have earmarked Ait‑Nouri as a potential option should Alejandro Balde leave the club during the upcoming winter transfer window.

Spanish media have also reported Manchester City’s recent interest in Balde, creating an unexpected overlap in the clubs’ plans for the left‑back position.

The Catalans are said to view the 25‑year‑old as an attacking full‑back comfortable carrying the ball and combining in tight areas in the mould of Joao Cancelo.

Barcelona are reported to have scouted Ait‑Nouri before City secured his signature from Wolves in the summer of 2025 for a fee in excess of £30 million.

Reports in England indicate Manchester City are open to a loan exit for Ait‑Nouri but would prefer it to include an obligation to buy next June.

A mandatory purchase clause is said to sit awkwardly with Barcelona, who are wary of committing significant money for the summer.

Ait‑Nouri’s new agent, Ali Barat, has met Barcelona sporting director Deco on several occasions in recent months as both sides study the market.

Manchester United and Juventus are also reported to be keeping tabs on the defender, ready to act if City decide to let him move on favourable terms.

United and Juventus also watch

From City’s perspective, sanctioning an immediate sale or a well‑structured loan would ease competition for places, with Nico O’Reilly and Joško Gvardiol clearly preferred on the left.

Ait‑Nouri’s situation, and whether the club will replace him with another left‑sided defender, is set to be a talking point for the Blues as the January window draws nearer.

This season the 25‑year‑old has only featured in the League Cup and Champions League for Manchester City.

He is thought to be looking for a way out in the winter.

Barcelona are seeking defensive reinforcements and a replacement for Alejandro Balde, meaning Ait‑Nouri may fit the bill,

Balde has struggled for game time all season and Hansi Flick’s decision to use Brian Farinas and Frenkie de Jong at full‑back recently suggests that situation will not change soon.

Sport say Manchester City would look for a loan but would prefer to add a mandatory purchase option, while Barcelona are looking for cost‑effective solutions this winter.

Juventus and Manchester United are also believed to be in the race, eager to bolster their left‑back options.

Barcelona are reportedly a January transfer window target for Ait‑Nouri as they look to replace Balde.

With Ait‑Nouri struggling for playing time at the Etihad Stadium, it seems increasingly likely he could soon be available, and there was already interest in him in the summer.

Manchester United have explored a surprise move for Ait‑Nouri, according to the Sun and others, adding Barcelona and Juventus to the list.

Sport claim Barcelona are keen on the Algeria international amid doubts over Balde’s future, while link the player strongly as a top target for Juventus this winter.

City would likely prefer to avoid strengthening a rival like Manchester United, making a move to Barcelona or Juventus a realistic option for Ait‑Nouri this January.

Missing out on Ait‑Nouri could be a blow for United, as he appears a good option to strengthen their problem left‑back position.

The 25‑year‑old struggled to establish himself at City but previously showed superb talent at Wolves and would be an upgrade on the inconsistent and injury‑prone Luke Shaw.

If Barcelona sign Ait‑Nouri, United could then turn their attention to Balde, another left‑back option worth considering.

Balde, a Spain international, has struggled at Barcelona in recent times but has shown great potential and could revive his career at Old Trafford.