Manchester United is reportedly keen on acquiring Rayan Ait-Nouri, a defender currently playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Under the management of Ruben Amorim, who has recently taken the helm at United, there is a clear focus on bolstering the left-back position. With Luke Shaw’s recurring injury issues, Amorim views Ait-Nouri as a critical addition. The 23-year-old Algerian is seen as a perfect fit for Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation, particularly due to his capabilities as an attacking wing-back. Notably, Ait-Nouri’s contract with Wolves runs until 2026, and a prospective move to Old Trafford would likely involve a significant increase in his current weekly wage of £33,000.
In addition to Ait-Nouri, Manchester United is also targeting Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda, a promising 17-year-old winger. This interest has intensified following Amorim’s managerial shift from Sporting to United, and Manchester United is reportedly preparing a substantial bid of €60 million plus bonuses. While Sporting remains open to discussions, they are determined to retain Quenda until the conclusion of the current season as they contend for their first consecutive championship in 70 years, a goal Amorim has committed to achieving. Thus, while negotiations may be on the horizon, Sporting is set on maintaining its young talent for the time being.
Meanwhile, Manchester City is exploring options to reinforce their midfield during the upcoming January transfer window. With Rodri out injured, the team has experienced an alarming five-game losing streak, prompting the necessity for immediate action. The club has set its sights on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Atalanta’s Ederson, both of whom have been identified as potential replacements for Rodri. City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain and manager Pep Guardiola are evaluating the midfield situation closely, and if they determine that the right player is available, they may act decisively in the transfer market.
Zubimendi, who gained recognition for his performance during the European Championship final—and specifically for stepping in as a substitute for Rodri—would offer a solid holding role while possessing the ability to support offensive plays. Although he is relatively young at 25, his maturity on the field suggests he could integrate seamlessly into Guardiola’s system. Meanwhile, Ederson is viewed as a player who poses greater threat going forward while still being competent defensively. The dual focus on obtaining players who can fulfill both holding and progressive roles reflects City’s strategy to address the current challenges they face and enhance their overall squad depth.
As the January window approaches, Manchester City is poised for potential changes. The team is struggling significantly without Rodri, and these two prospective signings could play a pivotal role in reversing their recent fortunes. Investing in a midfielder who can balance defensive responsibilities with the ability to initiate attacks is essential for City, especially considering the broader concerns that have emerged during this difficult stretch. Both Zubimendi and Ederson have attributes that align well with what Guardiola seeks in a midfielder, making them attractive prospects to shore up the team’s weaknesses.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s focus on strengthening their left-back position and acquiring talent like Ait-Nouri and Quenda underscores their ambition to build a stronger squad under Amorim. Simultaneously, Manchester City’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements is a critical move aimed at addressing immediate performance issues in the wake of Rodri’s injury. Both clubs are actively seeking to enhance their line-ups, with transfers set to play a crucial role in shaping their success in the remainder of the season. The dynamics of these transfer negotiations and the upcoming January window will ultimately determine how effectively each club can address its specific needs.
