Former Fenerbahce president Aziz Yıldırım has outlined an ambitious vision for the Turkish giants’ future, with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake emerging as one of the headline names in his plans should he secure victory in the club’s forthcoming presidential election.
Yıldırım, who officially entered the race for the 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly election last month, is aiming to return to the role he held for two decades between 1998 and 2018.
During that period, he oversaw one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, helping Fenerbahce lift six Turkish Super Lig titles and establish themselves as a dominant force in domestic football.
Now seeking another spell at the helm ahead of the club’s landmark 120th anniversary celebrations, the 73-year-old is promising significant investment in the playing squad.
Central to those ambitions is a move for Netherlands international Ake, who has become one of the most talked-about names linked with a summer departure from Manchester City.
The defender’s future has been the subject of increasing speculation in recent months following a campaign in which his opportunities were limited.
While Ake featured 32 times in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, he was named in the starting line-up on only 17 occasions.
In the Premier League, the experienced centre-back accumulated 688 minutes across 18 appearances, making six starts.
Those figures have fuelled suggestions that his role at the Etihad Stadium may be diminishing, particularly as the club prepares for a new chapter following the departure of long-serving manager Pep Guardiola.
Ake first arrived at Manchester City in August 2020 after completing a reported £41 million transfer from Bournemouth.
Since then, he has collected numerous honours and played an important role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
The Dutch defender further committed his future to City by signing a contract extension in July 2023, a deal that runs until the summer of 2027.
However, changing circumstances and increased competition for places have led to questions about whether he will remain a key figure moving forward.
Guardiola himself addressed those rumours earlier this year and made clear his admiration for the player.
Speaking about Ake’s situation, the Spaniard expressed hope that the defender would remain at the club and described him as an “incredible signing.”
Yıldırım confident of completing deal
According to reports in Turkey, Yıldırım has already begun laying the groundwork for a potential transfer.
Turkish newspaper Fotomaç, as relayed by Sport Witness, claims the presidential candidate recently travelled to England to discuss the possibility of bringing Ake to Istanbul.
The reports suggest preliminary conversations have taken place regarding the financial conditions of a deal.
Manchester City are said to be seeking a fee in the region of €11 million, while the player is reportedly looking for an annual salary worth €6 million before bonuses.
Yıldırım believes those figures are achievable and has publicly stated that he would be prepared to meet both requirements if elected as Fenerbahce president.
Strengthening the defence appears to be one of the cornerstones of Yıldırım’s football project.
Other clubs show interest in the Man City defender
While Fenerbahce are working to position themselves as serious contenders, they are unlikely to enjoy a clear path to securing Ake’s services.
Interest in the defender extends across several major European leagues, with clubs monitoring developments closely as the transfer window approaches.
- Man City doing everything to block £78m star from leaving the club this summer
- Pep Guardiola issues Champions League warning after Arsenal defeat to PSG in final
Among those admirers is Barcelona, who have been linked with the Dutchman for a considerable period.
The Spanish champions are understood to appreciate his versatility, experience and ability to operate in multiple defensive roles.
However, financial realities may complicate any pursuit from the Catalan club.
Transfer costs and wage expectations are reportedly beyond what Barcelona are currently willing to commit, particularly given other priorities in the market this summer.
Italian clubs are also paying close attention. Serie A heavyweights Juventus, AC Milan and Roma have all been credited with an interest in the defender, recognising the value that his experience at the highest level could bring.
Also, Bournemouth, the club where Ake established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders before earning his move to Manchester City, are reportedly interested in bringing him back to the Vitality Stadium.
