Rayan Aït-Nouri's situation at Manchester City is becoming increasingly concerning. Due to established competition, the Algerian international now sees his future with the national team closely linked to his playing time at the club.
Rayan Aït-Nouri's situation at Manchester City leaves little room for doubt. When asked about the Algerian international, Enzo Maresca clearly stated that Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly are currently prioritized in the pecking order for the left-back position.
“In this position, we have Josko, who is doing an exceptional job, and Nico, who, when fit, also does excellent work. It’s the same position, so it’s simply competition between them”, said the Citizens' coach. This statement mainly confirms Aït-Nouri's very marginal role since the start of the season.
After eight matchdays in the Premier League, the Algerian has yet to play a single minute in the league. Counting all competitions, he has only accumulated 124 minutes: 15 in the Champions League against Porto, 90 in the League Cup against Norwich, where he provided two assists, and then 19 against AEK Athens.
This situation is becoming worrying as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations approaches. Already struggling with the national team during the last gathering, Aït-Nouri will need to find regular playing time to secure his place with the Greens. If the hierarchy does not change at Manchester, a departure during the winter transfer window seems increasingly inevitable.
DZfoot
