Top long-term United target set to join bitter rivals with full agreement now in place – report

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Long-term Manchester United defensive target Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to complete his move to cross-town rivals Manchester City, who have reached a full agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ait-Nouri has been linked to United at various points of his career but needless to say, a transfer never materialised.

After Ruben Amorim took over as head coach, there were suggestions that United might target Ait-Nouri, who is highly familiar with the demands of the wing-back role—a position he has consistently impressed in at Wolves.

However, United’s January signing of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce made a move for Ait-Nouri highly unlikely, especially with other positions taking priority in the club’s plans to strengthen the squad.

Still, rumours linking Ait-Nouri to United never completely faded. However, as the Red Devils hesitated, City stepped in and swiftly made the Algerian their top transfer target.

Earlier on Saturday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Ait-Nouri successfully completed his medical tests.

Romano indicated that the next step was for the 24-year-old to put pen to paper on a five-year contract until 2030.

🚨🔵 Understand Rayan Aït-Nouri has successfully completed medical tests as Manchester City player.

Next step: five year deal to be signed. ✍🏻 pic.twitter.com/eDAoNfKdTK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2025

Now, Ben Jacobs has reported that Wolves and City have agreed a deal worth an initial €37m fee plus a further €6m in add-ons for Ait-Nouri.

Jacobs also confirms that the player has done his medical.

Wolves and Manchester City have agreed a €37m+€6m package for Rayan Aït-Nouri. 24-year-old has already done his medical.🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/zWmkrUH2mB

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 7, 2025

City will be hoping to announce Ait-Nouri’s signing before they jet off to the United States to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.

For United, it will be a bitter pill to swallow that their long-term target has ended up joining one of their biggest rivals.

Ait-Nouri played 135 times for Wolves across the last five seasons in the English top-flight. Last term, he scored four goals and provided seven assists in 37 league appearances.

Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images

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