- Nathan Ake joined City in 2020
- He has made 175 appearances for the club
- The defender’s future is uncertain
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he does not know if defender Nathan Ake will remain at the club beyond the end of the season.
Ake joined City in 2020, signing from Bournemouth for a reported fee of around £40 million. He has since played 175 times for the Sky Blues.
The 31-year-old Dutch international has featured 30 times this season in all competitions, but has fallen out of Guardiola’s starting side.
Marc Guehi’s January arrival has pushed Ake further down the pecking order, with question marks over the former Chelsea star’s future.
Guardiola unsure if Nathan Ake will stay at Man City
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s rearranged Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, Guardiola discussed Ake’s future.
He said: “He has a contract for one more year, right? I wish he would stay with us. I wish he would stay with us, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.
“There is few players more reliable when they play like him, the job he has to do in terms of with the ball or without, in terms of focus – Nathan is one of the best I’ve ever faced. He’s just unbelievable.
BREAKING: Pep Guardiola 'wishes' @NathanAke will stay at #ManCity next season, but is uncertain on his future.
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 12, 2026
Pep: “He has contract one more year, right? I wish he would stay with us. I wish he would stay with us, but I don't know what's going to happen…" [via @HaytersTV] pic.twitter.com/ocYQtYbNbd
“The problem is sometimes when it’s [games] every three days, he struggles. But look at the Carabao Cup final, semi-finals, or last game against Brentford, completely [against Kevin] Schade and [Igor] Thiago, how they attack in-behind, the space, pace; Wow, Nathan.
“He’s one of the most incredible teammates I’ve ever [seen]. An incredible signing from Bournemouth, an incredible signing for this tenure. He played the UCL final in Istanbul, which shows how reliable he is. Top guy and top player!”
Ake exit looking increasingly likely
As it stands, Ake looks likely to depart at the end of the season. Current centre-back pairing Khusanov and Guehi have ousted the Dutchman from the starting squad.
Still only 31 and far from ready to hang up his boots, he is unlikely to want to remain a bit-part player at the Etihad next season.
Reports have suggested that Ake is leaving, with the club keen to sell him before his contract expires next summer.
How good has Ake been for Man City?
With 175 total appearances in six years at City, Ake has been a fantastic servant to the club, and played in some massive games.
He has helped the club to win four Premier League titles, two EFL Cups, the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Whether he leaves the club this summer or not, Ake will depart the Etihad with his head held high, and be fondly remembered for his contributions.
