- Nathan Ake’s contract expires next summer
- He could leave sooner
- Pep Guardiola adores the defender
Nathan Ake has a good relationship with Pep Guardiola, but his Manchester City fate has already been sealed ahead of the summer transfer window.
Manchester City are a big step up from Bournemouth, so Nathan Ake was brave to make that move six years ago. The Dutchman has been a useful player to Pep Guardiola and this continues to be the case even now.
After all, Ake recently started the Carabao Cup final and he kept a clean sheet as the Citizens drew blood from Arsenal.
Still, Ake has only made 14 starts in all competitions this season. On top of this, the 31-year-old is not as young as he used to be, while his contract expires next year.
Man City will sell Nathan Ake this summer
Manchester Evening News have reported that Ake is ‘likely’ to depart Man City this summer, despite the fact his current deal will not end until after next season.
The defender has discussed his playing time with Guardiola and Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has been clear that Ake must start for his club in order to be selected for his country.
Therefore, Ake is set to be moved on by the Citizens before his contract expires, despite the fact that Guardiola ‘adores’ him.
Ake has no role left to play at Man City
There is little use in Ake remaining at the Etihad Stadium when he is clearly not going to start ahead of Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi.
Then of course, Josko Gvardiol will return to the squad in May, while Vitor Reis will be back from his loan move at Girona in the summer.
Although the Netherlands international can also play as a left-back, he may struggle to be used there too, with Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Ait-Nouri both having excellent seasons.
Where will Ake go after leaving Man City?
Ake has worn the captain’s armband at Man City, showing he is not just a good player, but a leader as well.
The Premier League veteran certainly still possesses the abilities required to play at a high level, so it makes sense that he has been linked with Barcelona.
Rumours also surfaced about a possible return to Chelsea, as Ake was having a house constructed near the London club’s training ground.
Wherever Ake goes, he is still likely to be playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues, as he looks to continue building on his international career with the Netherlands.
