Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp 'urges Liverpool to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 March 2024

Klopp 'urges Liverpool to sign Wolves defender Ait-Nouri'

Outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp allegedly advises Liverpool to make an effort to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly advised Liverpool to move for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in the summer.

Earlier this year, Klopp announced that he would be ending his stay in the Anfield dugout after a trophy-laden stint on Merseyside.

The move came about at the same time when Liverpool are yet to officially determine who will become their next sporting director, with reports indicating that a return is likely to materialise for Michael Edwards.

Whoever takes on that role will have a number of issues to resolve, whether that be players already at the club or who feature on the club's shortlist.

Most notably, Liverpool must attempt to successfully negotiate fresh contracts with each of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, with their respective deals both due to expire in 2025.

Everton's Jack Harrison in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri on December 30, 2023 © Reuters

However, with at least one new central defender also required and how to handle the next phases of development for many of the club's prospects on the radar, Liverpool face a busy period behind the scenes.

Although Klopp will be leaving Liverpool once the 2023-24 campaign has concluded, it appears that he may still have an input on who Liverpool may or may not sign.

According to TEAMtalk, Klopp feels that Liverpool should make a sustained effort to try to sign Ait-Nouri from Wolves.

Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are the standout left-back options at present, while Joe Gomez has impressed when being required to deputise.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Goncalo Guedes celebrates scoring their first goal with Rayan Ait-Nouri on January 7, 2023 © Reuters

Furthermore, Liverpool have Owen Beck who could also challenge for a spot in the future, but Klopp has allegedly taken note of Ait-Nouri's excellent campaign at Molineux.

While the 22-year-old has only contributed one goal and one assist from left wing-back, he has proven to be an integral part of Gary O'Neil's enterprising 3-4-3 system.

The Algeria international has a contract until the end of 2025-26, yet his valuation is a complex matter with former club Angers holding what is allegedly a 50% sell-on clause.

Manchester United are also said to be monitoring the situation at a time when Ait-Nouri is said to be open to making the switch to a high-profile club, despite being happy with life at Wolves.