Liverpool are in “pole position” to sign Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, according to journalist Abdel Hamid.
Writing on his X account, Hamid stated that, while the Reds are currently the favourites for the Algerian international, two other Premier League clubs are also interested in the player:
“Rayan Ait Nouri will leave Wolves. The left-back is notably tracked by Chelsea, City and Liverpool. For the moment Liverpool are in pole position on the file. Stay tuned‼️”
The defender is believed to be valued at around €45m (£38m) by Wolves, which is a sizeable figure which the Reds may not be prepared to match.
Ait-Nouri is only 23 years of age, and his arrival at Anfield could well spell the end of Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas’s time at the club.
Which left-back would be sold if Ait-Nouri is signed?
Robertson (30) and Tsimikas (28) are pretty similar ages, but the latter does have a year longer left on his contract, having put pen to paper on a new deal last September, keeping him on Merseyside until the summer of 2027.
Tsimikas would, therefore, be the likelier to stay out of the two, but a lot would depend on what bids the club receive for the pair.
Liverpool will prioritise signings in other positions
There is no doubt that the Reds need a long-term replacement for Robertson sooner rather than later, but the fact that the likes of captain Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have a year left on his contract means the club have more pressing matters to deal with.
Even if van Dijk extends his stay, the centre of defence will have to be reinforced following the departure of Joel Matip. A wide forward is also on the agenda just in case Salah does packs his bags and moves to Saudi Arabia.
