Liverpool could very well be tempted into bolstering the left side of defence should an appropriate opportunity arise.
One temptation may come in the form of Wolves fullback Rayan Ait-Nouri, whom CaughtOffside sources claim the Reds are very much keen. The player is also allegedly an option for Manchester City and Chelsea in the current market.
The report in question estimates that it should be clear whether or not Arne Slot’s men have landed the $49m-valued [£41.2m] footballer by the start of the club’s first American tour clash with Real Betis on July 27.
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“The player is apparently open to leaving the Midlands-based outfit if he receives an acceptable offer in terms of length of contract and remuneration,” CaughtOffside claims.
READ MORE: Man City ‘not even in conversation’ for Euros monster Liverpool are reportedly tracking
Should Liverpool be pursuing Ait-Nouri?
![Liverpool, Ait-Nouri](https://icdn.empireofthekop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/liverpool-fc-v-wolverhampton-wanderers-premier-league-3.jpg)
Given the nature of the football Liverpool have played under Jurgen Klopp – a continuation of which is expected to some or a larger degree under Arne Slot – it’s fair to assume that our fullbacks will continue to play a role in chance creation at the opposite end of the pitch.
As such, any new fullback that arrives at Anfield has to potentially be comfortable carrying the ball and progressing past opponents if need be.
Ait-Nouri certainly ticks both boxes, registering in the 74th and 98th percentiles for progressive carries and successful take-ons respectively, according to FBref.
Whilst the Algerian international has intriguing offensive numbers (96th and 75th percentile for non-penalty xG and touches in the opposing box respectively) we are concerned over his xAG numbers. Ranking in the 52nd percentile compares poorly with Andy Robertson (96th percentile), Trent Alexander-Arnold (99th percentile), Kostas Tsimikas (57th percentile) and Conor Bradley (77th percentile).
Of course, what the statistic doesn’t make clear is how many chances created were wasted by the 23-year-old’s Wolves teammates.
He’s certainly got enough going for him elsewhere to suggest he’d be a handful of a signing this summer for Arne Slot’s men. Should we wish to secure his services.
Former Liverpool coach Gary O’Neill is a big fan
![O'Neill, Liverpool, Pearce](https://icdn.empireofthekop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/wolverhampton-wanderers-v-arsenal-fc-premier-league.jpg)
Gary O’Neill has come a long way since his days spent coaching the next class of Reds in the Liverpool Academy.
He’s helped transform Wolves into a formidable Premier League outfit and has overseen the rise of one the English top-flight’s most promising fullbacks.
There’s no question the 41-year-old is a big fan of Ait-Nouri, telling reporters (via molineux. news) back in March: “Rayan’s ability and physical attributes allow him to definitely do all three of those [playing as a fullback, midfielder or winger]. We’ve used him in all three.
“Whether I see him playing higher permanently, probably not. He’s very good at arriving from lower.”
“I love having him in the squad and I’m excited with what we’re able to do with him.”
“I do like him arriving somewhere lower in the pitch, generally.”
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Edwards and co are letting the club down,,,they think they are wise enough when it comes to buying player,,yet they are making fools of themselves…they will live to regret when the season starts,,,EPL big teams are beefing their clubs,yet Edwards is busy doing nothing…with the way Liverpool gave away the league title last season,he shld have been the first to beef up the squad… But our to surprise almost a month gone without any signings,l wonder if supporter shld have any trust in him..he is not active enough when it comes to recruiting world best players
It shows how much attention you pay. Slot needs to asses the squad to identify tue areas he thinks needs strengthening. We’ve played one game behind closed doors and a lot of the squad isn’t even training yet. If Edwards just start d buying players for random positions without input from the gaffer then you’d still be moaning. The main priority first and foremost is to get the backroom team sorted, which is what’s happening. Have you forgot when Klopp left he took his whole backroom team with him? Once all that’s sorted and everyone’s in place and we’ve had a few more training sessions and couple of friendlies then the signings will come. Be patient or f off
Should you wish to secure his services, you arrogant b******s, nothing about should we be willing to sell, he’s made it clear he DOESN’T want to leave and is happy at the Wolves but hey we’re Liverpool and you do has we say🖕🖕🖕
Behave, If Liverpool or any other top 6 team come in for your players then they’re all going