Rayan Aït-Nouri’s Manchester City career could reach a turning point in January after the Algerian international appointed Ali Barat’s Epic Sports as his new agency. According to DZ Foot, the 25-year-old has changed representatives as concerns grow about his career prospects and falling market value.
The former Wolves defender joined City for a reported £32 million fee, but regular first-team football has proved difficult to secure. His limited involvement under Enzo Maresca has raised questions about whether he can establish himself in the manager’s plans.
Aït-Nouri has reportedly managed just two appearances, totalling 105 minutes, this season. Despite registering three assists during his limited opportunities, he needs more playing time to maintain his progress and protect his standing in the Algeria national team.
Why has Maresca struggled to accommodate Aït-Nouri?
Maresca’s tactical preferences offer a possible explanation. The City manager favours defenders who can move into central areas during possession, with Joško Gvardiol and academy graduate Nico O’Reilly providing options at left-back.
Aït-Nouri offers different qualities. His dribbling, acceleration and ability to carry the ball into attacking areas make him effective going forward, but City’s current structure may leave him competing for a role that doesn’t fully suit his strengths.
Reports suggest his market valuation has fallen from €40 million to €35 million. Interest from Manchester United and Juventus could provide alternative destinations, although concrete bids and the clubs’ willingness to meet City’s demands remain unclear.
Could Man City sanction a January departure?
Appointing Barat could help Aït-Nouri explore opportunities, given Epic Sports’ connections across European football. A January loan with an obligation to buy could offer a compromise, allowing City to protect their investment while giving the defender a chance to play regularly.
However, an agency change alone doesn’t confirm an exit. City must assess their defensive options, potential replacements and the financial terms before agreeing to any deal.
Would selling Aït-Nouri benefit Manchester City?
In my view, City should consider a January departure if Maresca cannot offer Aït-Nouri a meaningful role. Keeping a £32 million signing on the fringes makes little sporting sense, particularly when the player needs regular minutes to rebuild confidence and maintain his international ambitions.
A loan with a compulsory purchase clause would offer City some protection against further depreciation, provided the buying club accepts a realistic valuation. Meanwhile, Aït-Nouri could join a side that values his attacking instincts instead of forcing him into a defensive role that limits his strengths.
Manchester United and Juventus would represent very different sporting environments, so playing time, tactical suitability and the manager’s plans should guide his decision. City shouldn’t accept a poor offer simply to remove an unhappy player, but they must recognise that his current situation threatens his value. Barat’s appointment could help create an exit route, especially if January brings a serious offer from a club prepared to make Aït-Nouri a regular starter.
