Wolves have been told that the transfer value of Rayan Ait-Nouri could rocket on one condition this summer, giving Gary O’Neil and Fosun a decision to make.
It’s poised to be a busy summer for Wolves, who will be eyeing a handful of reinforcements to bolster Gary O’Neil’s shortened squad ahead of next season.
The Englishman has weathered the storm of the Old Gold’s lack of depth expertly this campaign, with a recent dip in form making it glaringly obvious the level of support he now requires from Fosun to ensure progression continues.
While a lot of attention will be on who will arrive at Molineux in the transfer window, the boss will be looking over his shoulder for clubs that could eye some of his star talent at Wolves, with Rayan Ait-Nouri being a player attracting interest.
Last week, Molineux News reported that the club are ‘gearing up’ for the sale of the Algerian, who is said to be on the watchlist of the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Journalist expects a high transfer fee for Rayan Ait-Nouri
Though no price tag has been uttered in relation to the value of the versatile Wolves defender, journalist Liam Keen has shared his belief that the 22-year-old could be worth over the £40m mark if he were to depart this summer.
Speaking on The Keen & Judah Show, the Wolves expert said:
“I think the market is a bit more saturated at the moment, I don’t think clubs are going to spend big money.
“He might fetch £40m, maybe into the £45m mark but I think it’s going to be lower than some fans expect if he does depart.”
Judging by how seamlessly Ait-Nouri has slotted into O’Neil’s system, flourishing week upon week in the wing-back role, the Algeria international is poised to generate a healthy profit when he does eventually say goodbye.
That being said, Keen added that he believes Wolves could max out the profit made on the £9.5m 2021 signing on one condition, which could see their asking price rocket beyond £60m.
“It’s a great figure [£40m] but if he does stay, in a year’s time if he performs like he did this season, I think he’s worth another £20m on top of that, I think he’s that good.”
Wolves will be lucky to keep Rayan Ait-Nouri beyond this season
A host of positives come with a player having an exceptionally consistent season however, Wolves will be aware of the negatives that come with that.
Unsurprisingly, Ait-Nouri has generated attention for his performance levels in O’Neil’s side, which could lure him away from the Old Gold this summer.
FBref cites that the versatile Wolves jewel ranks in the top 2% of fullbacks in the league for his average of 2.30 successful take-ons and 4.39 take-ons attempted per 90, reinforcing the skillset he offers in the much-desired attacking full-back role.
The £10k-a-week maestro is operating at a level placing him amongst the best in the Premier League this season, telling of his impact at Wolves and just how highly regarded he is in the top flight.
It would be a huge loss for Wolves but equally a significant financial gain, as the player’s £9.5m transfer fee would expectedly be eclipsed by the price that Fosun collect for his sale.
Of course, it’s not certain that the Algerian will leave, with Keen’s comments on his value having the potential to expand if he were to develop for another season at Molineux although, with links to some of the Premier League’s elite already swarming, the club could face a challenge to retain him.
