Rayan Ait-Nouri and Manchester United have settled personal terms ahead of a potential January move, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg. It is the clearest signal yet that Michael Carrick’s side is ready to raid Manchester City in midwinter.
The 25-year-old Algeria international is keen on the regular minutes he is not getting at the Etihad, where head coach Enzo Maresca has preferred to use him further forward than at left-back. His representatives and Manchester City are already working on a route out, though the cross-city element complicates any deal. Previous deadline-day talks collapsed because City wanted an obligation-to-buy clause United were unwilling to accept.
That the player himself is open to crossing the divide is the first hurdle removed. Finding a structure both clubs can stomach is the next one.
Martinez the domino
Carrick’s recruitment hinges on outgoings. United sit 17th in the Premier League, and the club’s senior figures have been reviewing the squad for players who could realistically fetch a fee in January. Lisandro Martinez sits at the top of that list.
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The Argentine’s contract runs out in 2027, and United have not triggered the one-year extension they hold. Contract talks are paused, and recent discipline issues, including a red card against Chelsea, have cooled the mood further.
Atletico Madrid are in the strongest position of any suitor. According to Fichajes, the Spanish club could meet the roughly €40m price tag that would unlock a deal and are keen to pair Martinez with his compatriot Cristian Romero. Barcelona are also monitoring the situation under sporting director Deco, but Atletico’s financial capacity to move now gives them an edge.
Toney as the loan option
The second January target is Ivan Toney, with the sticking point being wages rather than willingness. Toney is operating at close to a goal a game in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, 12 in 9 Saudi Pro League matches this season, and his salary there is the barrier to a permanent transfer.
Benjamin Sesko’s shin injury has pushed United to look at striker cover, and a temporary agreement suits both sides more than a buyout would.
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Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke spelled out the preferred mechanism.
“Sources say that United are likely to line up a potential loan move as a result, rather than committing to take on the entirety of the frontman’s wages,” he told Football Insider.
The 30-year-old, a Brentford player before his move to the Saudi Pro League, retains the Premier League profile that Carrick wants while Sesko is unavailable. Al-Ahli, meanwhile, are not under financial pressure to let him go on a permanent basis.
The Premier League winter window opens on 1 January 2027. Until then, United’s January double act depends on whether a buyer can be moved to meet Atletico’s number on Martinez.
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