🐺 Wolves’ Left-Back Dilemma: Replacing Rayan Ait-Nouri
Wolverhampton Wanderers are about to face one of their most crucial rebuilding tasks in recent years — replacing Rayan Ait-Nouri, the exciting left-back who recently made the high-profile move to Manchester City. This departure, after five impactful years at Molineux, has left Wolves with a significant gap both defensively and offensively. Ait-Nouri was more than just a defender; he was an attacking outlet, a player capable of producing moments of magic with his dazzling dribbles and pinpoint crosses.
Ait-Nouri’s Impact at Wolves
Rayan Ait-Nouri was one of the standout performers at Wolves during his time at the club, having first joined on loan from Angers in 2020 before securing a permanent transfer. Over the years, he became a fan favourite for his dynamic performances as a left wing-back in Wolves’ often defensive setup. His performances in the Premier League, especially in the 2023/24 season, showed just how effective he could be in a modern system where attacking full-backs play a crucial role in providing width and creativity.
Ait-Nouri was not just a reliable defensive presence — he was often the catalyst for Wolves’ offensive plays. Whether it was his dribbling down the left flank, his ability to link up with the attack, or his eye for a key pass, he had a significant influence on Wolves’ forward momentum. His pace allowed him to recover quickly in defensive situations, but it was his attacking output that made him such a valuable asset. By the time he was sold, Ait-Nouri had developed into one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, particularly in terms of creating chances from wide areas.
His departure has left Wolves with a significant hole to fill. Fans have expressed frustration, feeling that the £35-40 million transfer fee received from Manchester City was not a fair reflection of Ait-Nouri’s potential. Many believe that his attacking ability, combined with his potential to grow further, was worth more, especially with City acquiring him as a backup option, not a starter.
The Internal Option: Hugo Bueno
In terms of internal replacements, Hugo Bueno appears to be the first candidate. The young Spanish full-back has made brief appearances in the Premier League and cup competitions over the past few seasons, and he has been viewed as a promising talent for the future. However, the real question is whether he can step into Ait-Nouri’s shoes and make a substantial impact in a starting role.
Bueno has some qualities that could make him an ideal candidate — his ability to play as a wing-back or in a more traditional full-back role gives Pereira options, and his pace and work rate are admirable. However, there are still questions surrounding his ability to perform consistently at the highest level, particularly against some of the more dangerous wingers in the Premier League. He’ll need to prove himself defensively, as he sometimes struggles in one-on-one duels, which would be exposed in a league as physically demanding as the Premier League.
It’s clear that Vitor Pereira, who has a reputation for a more structured, disciplined approach to football, will be assessing Bueno closely during pre-season. While Bueno certainly has potential, it’s unlikely that Pereira will rely solely on him as the answer to replace Ait-Nouri’s attacking contributions and overall influence.
Wolves’ Transfer Market Pursuit: Bischoff, Martin, and Now Jaouen Hadjam
Given the uncertainty surrounding Hugo Bueno, Wolves are clearly looking for external options to fill the gap left by Ait-Nouri. Over the past few weeks, several players have been linked with a move to Molineux, and the most recent name that has emerged is Jaouen Hadjam, the Algerian international left-back playing for Young Boys in Switzerland.
Clement Bischoff: The Underrated Option
One player who had been linked with Wolves earlier in the window is Clement Bischoff of Brøndby IF in Denmark. Bischoff, while not as well-known in Europe’s top five leagues, has had an impressive season in the Danish Superliga. His performances have caught the attention of multiple clubs, and Wolves are reportedly monitoring him as an affordable option.
While Bischoff is technically gifted, he still faces the challenge of adapting to the intensity and pace of the Premier League. At 24, he is still relatively young and would likely need time to adjust to a top-tier competition. Wolves would be hoping to sign him at a reasonable fee, making him a cost-effective solution if they’re unable to secure a bigger name.
Gerard Martin: Barcelona’s Youth Prospect
Another name making waves is Gerard Martin, a Barcelona youth academy graduate who plays as a left-back. At only 19 years old, Martin is still in the developmental stages of his career but has been highly praised for his technical ability, passing range, and intelligence on the ball. The likelihood of a move to Wolves could be a loan deal or a potential transfer if Barcelona sees him as surplus to requirements.
Martin would likely not be an immediate first-choice option, but he could be an interesting long-term project under Vitor Pereira. Given the youth movement at Wolves, a deal for Martin could represent a strategic acquisition, but it remains to be seen whether the club can afford to prioritize his development over immediate success.
Jaouen Hadjam: The Best Value?
As of late, Jaouen Hadjam has emerged as the most serious candidate for a move to Wolves. The Algerian international, currently at Young Boys, had an exceptional 2024/25 season in Switzerland, where he made 42 appearances across all competitions and contributed both defensively and offensively. Hadjam’s most notable achievements include a solid run in the Champions League, where he demonstrated his capability against some of Europe’s best teams.
His profile is a good fit for what Wolves might need. He is already a regular for Algeria, with nine caps to his name, and at just £6 million, he represents incredible value in today’s market, where full-backs often go for much higher fees.
Hadjam’s playing style leans more towards the defensive side than Ait-Nouri, and while he may not possess the same flair or explosive dribbling abilities, he offers excellent positional discipline, tactical awareness, and solid defensive abilities. His distribution is also reliable, with an 86% pass accuracy in the Swiss Super League last season, which would fit well into a more structured approach under Pereira.
Hadjam may not be a direct replacement for Ait-Nouri in terms of creativity and offensive output, but he offers balance. Wolves have struggled defensively in recent years, and Hadjam could provide that extra solidity on the left flank. As a player with both international and European experience, he is well-positioned to thrive in the Premier League if Wolves do indeed push for a deal.
The Importance of a Balanced Approach Under Vitor Pereira
The key to understanding this transfer move is recognizing the way Vitor Pereira likes to set up his teams. Known for his disciplined and pragmatic approach, Pereira places significant emphasis on defensive solidity and maintaining structure, particularly when out of possession. Ait-Nouri’s attacking verve was often crucial for Wolves, but his occasional lapses in defense meant that the team had to compensate at times. In Hadjam, Pereira would gain a left-back who prioritizes his defensive duties but is also capable of contributing to the attack in a more subtle, yet effective manner.
Hadjam’s ability to perform at a high level both in domestic competitions and the Champions League shows that he can handle pressure and expectations. This might be just what Wolves need as they look to balance their squad and move forward in the post-Ait-Nouri era.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Summer for Wolves
Replacing a player like Rayan Ait-Nouri will never be an easy task. His offensive output and flair made him one of Wolves’ most valuable assets, and losing him is undoubtedly a blow. However, this could also represent an opportunity for Wolves to re-shape their squad and bring in a player like Jaouen Hadjam, who might not have the same explosive qualities as Ait-Nouri but offers a more balanced and defensively solid option.
With £6 million reportedly the asking price, Hadjam represents a very reasonable investment for a player with both Champions League and international experience. If Wolves can add him to their ranks, it could provide the perfect platform for the team to evolve under Pereira’s tactical blueprint.
Ultimately, Wolves will likely need to make further additions in other areas to continue their progress in the Premier League, but securing Hadjam could be a key first step in moving on from Ait-Nouri’s departure and ensuring the club remains competitive. Whether Hugo Bueno is given the chance to step up, or a more experienced player like Hadjam is brought in, Wolves’ left-back position is sure to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer.