Rayan Ait-Nouri is desperate to leave Manchester City in the January transfer window amid interest from Manchester United.

The Algeria international joined the Cityzens from Wolves for a sizeable €36.8 million in 2025, but he has found it increasingly difficult to get into the team. Initially, Ait-Nouri featured regularly. He made 31 appearances under Pep Guardiola last season.

However, the coaching change in the summer seems to have effectively ended his time at the club already. Enzo Maresca has barely used the 25-year-old, with Ait-Nouri clocking just 168 minutes of action across four matches this term.

The writing already appeared to be on the wall in the summer. Ait-Nouri was the subject of late-window interest from Man Utd and Juventus, and a deal could have been done on the right terms. Ultimately, though, Man City's demands were too much for his suitors.

The Etihad club were reportedly only willing to consider a sale, while Man Utd and Juventus would have favoured an initial loan. With not much time left in the window to try to change City's stance, the talks were abandoned.

Ait-Nouri pushing for January exit

Given that Ait-Nouri has barely featured so far, transfer speculation has resurfaced in recent days and weeks. According to Sky Germany, the Algerian remains a target for Man Utd, who desperately need left-back reinforcements.

It was reported that Ait-Nouri would be open to the move, with personal terms not thought to be an issue. The bigger stumbling block is the strained relationship between the two Manchester clubs. City seem to be reluctant to do business with their rivals.

Italian media outlets have also been linking Ait-Nouri with Juventus again, while FootballTransfers contributor Steve Kay understands that Everton have looked into a potential deal for the 25-year-old.

The player, for his part, appears to be desperate to get out of Man City. L'Equipe has spoken with people close to Ait-Nouri, and the message it received from the left-back's entourage is clear: he needs to leave in January.

"Everything is being done to try and leave this winter," a source told the French publication. "The player still has a good reputation in England, and not only there. We need to find the best possible solution with Man City. He cannot remain in this situation where his talent is being wasted."

In October, Ait-Nouri switched representatives and is now being advised by superagent Ali Barat. Clearly, anything other than a mid-season departure would be a major surprise, although it remains to be seen if Man Utd can convince City to let the player cross the Manchester divide.