The signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan (with an option to buy) capped off another promising transfer window for Wolves, but who is the promising young defender and what can Wolves fans expect to see of him this season?
Background
Following the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, Rayan Ait-Nouri became the latest French teenager to cross the Channel with hopes of becoming a Premier League star.
Born and raised in Paris but of Algerian heritage, Ait-Nouri graduated from the academy at SCO Angers after leaving Paris FC youth in 2016.
After making his Ligue 1 debut against Paris Saint Germain aged just 17, the defender has gone on to make 23 appearances for Angers.
He debuted for France U19s in November 2018, for whom he made just two appearances before being promoted to the U21 side in September 2019.
The Frenchman now arrives at Wolves with the third highest transfer market value (£18 million) in Europe for a teenage defender after Alphonso Davies and William Saliba.
Transfer to Wolves
Wolves announced the signing of Ait-Nouri on Sunday, a season-long loan with the option to buy at the end of the season for around £20 million.
The 19 year old will replace Ruben Vinagre, who has moved on loan to Greek champions Olympiakos.
“I am here to try and show everyone here exactly what I am capable of, the manager, my teammates and the supporters.”
Rayan Ait Nouri to Wolves.co.uk
What does he bring to the team?
Considered one of the most promising defensive talents in Europe, Ait-Nouri is a left sided defender, playing mainly as a left-back, but will likely be used as a wing-back in Nuno Santo’s system.
In this position, he will have the license to get forward and provide crosses into the box for lethal front-man Raul Jimenez.
Ait Nouri created four assists in just 23 appearances in his time at Angers.
Being just 19, there is no doubt Ait-Nouri will take time to adjust to the physicality and pace of England’s top tier.
However, there is hope amongst Wolves supporters that under head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, Ait-Nouri could become a star of the Premier League in years to come, should his move be made permanent at the end of the season.
