There is an unbelievable one billion dollars in the prize pool for the Club World Cup after FIFA changed the format with more teams and hype so that the tournament does not go completely into oblivion. Real Madrid are working hard to secure the largest possible share of the prize pool in the tournament that starts in a couple of weeks and Manchester City will be no worse.
Manager Pep Guardiola, after a season that has not been so much to brag about, wants to build a competitive squad to win the tournament in the United States.
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Manchester City have taken concrete steps to secure Rayan Aït-Nouri, one of the big sensations at Wolverhampton, in what could be one of the first strategic transfers this summer. Pep Guardiola has highlighted the Algerian player as a priority to strengthen the left wing, an area that needs a permanent solution ahead of the demanding upcoming season.
With a view to moving Guardiola back to his natural position in the defensive centre, the “sky blue” team has reached out to the player’s representatives to work out the terms of a transfer. Aït-Nouri, 23 years old, has had an outstanding season both defensively and offensively, and has established himself as a modern full-back with constant momentum, the ability to create imbalances and goal danger. It is therefore not surprising that he has attracted interest from several big English top clubs.
Manchester City want to sign Rayan Aït-Nouri
Liverpool and Manchester United are also keeping a close eye on him, although the “Reds” are prioritising other targets such as Milos Kerkez. But City seem determined not to let the Algerian international escape, and there is already talk of a transfer fee of around £50 million at the club, who are aware of the growing interest.
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Aït-Nouri’s season has not gone unnoticed. His versatility has even led him to play as a winger in some matches, which has increased his market value and made him a sought-after target for big clubs. With a short transfer window and the Club World Cup as an urgent objective, Guardiola’s team is looking to secure reinforcements quickly. The Wolverhampton defender could be the cornerstone of a new defensive venture at the Etihad.
