Manchester City defender Nathan Ake looks set to end his stay at the Etihad Stadium in the January transfer window, with sources indicating that the Premier League champions have set a £25 million asking price for the Dutch international.
Crystal Palace are understood to be at the front of the queue for the 30-year-old, who has attracted interest from several English and European clubs.
Crystal Palace push ahead in the race for the defender
Ake’s future has come under increasing scrutiny after finding himself on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup this season.
TEAMtalk reports that City are now ready to cash in on the versatile defender, whose contract is set to expire in 18 months’ time. The club’s hierarchy are said to prefer selling him in January rather than risk losing him for free when his deal runs out in 2027.
Crystal Palace have emerged as strong contenders for his signature. Sources close to the player reveal that the Eagles have already made contact with Ake’s representatives to signal their intent.
Manager Oliver Glasner is believed to view Ake as a crucial addition to his backline, bringing leadership, composure, and Premier League experience to a defence that has occasionally struggled for consistency this season.
However, Palace are not alone in their pursuit. Everton and Fulham are both monitoring developments and are prepared to make approaches of their own.
Everton, battling injuries to key defenders including Jarrad Branthwaite, see Ake as an ideal fit to strengthen their defensive stability. With Michael Keane’s contract also winding down, the Toffees are keen to inject fresh quality and experience into their squad.
Fulham, on the other hand, view Ake as a potential cornerstone for their evolving project at Craven Cottage. The west London club believe his Champions League pedigree and tactical intelligence could help elevate them to the next level in their ambitions.
As Ake’s future remains in the air, he has attracted suitors beyond England. Interest has reportedly come from clubs in Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1, with the player said to be open-minded about a return to continental football.
Pep Guardiola gives green light to departure
Pep Guardiola is understood to have approved Ake’s potential exit, recognising both the player’s desire for more consistent football and City’s need to manage their squad depth strategically.
Though the manager has repeatedly praised Ake’s contribution since his £41 million move from Bournemouth in 2020, he has stopped short of guaranteeing him a starting spot.
“Nathan has been important for us, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room,” Guardiola said earlier this year. “He’s a top professional and always ready when called upon.”
Despite his strong performances in previous campaigns, the 30-year-old has found playing time harder to come by this season due to the emergence of Josko Gvardiol and the reliability of Ruben Dias, and John Stones. Injuries have also hampered his rhythm, leaving him on the fringes during crucial fixtures.
- Guardiola received ‘brutal’ warning ahead of Liverpool clash, he must not lose
- Erling Haaland reveals perfect replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at Man City
Since joining City, Ake has made 153 appearances and collected four Premier League titles and a Champions League medal. His versatility — capable of operating both as a centre-back and a left-back — has been one of his key assets under Guardiola.
Still, with the Dutchman eager for regular football, a move in January appears increasingly likely.
City are said to be targeting defensive reinforcements of their own, with the club expected to reinvest any transfer fee received. The £25m valuation is seen as reasonable for a defender of Ake’s calibre, particularly given his top-flight experience and winning pedigree.
Ake’s future remains uncertain and his departure would mark the end of a successful yet understated spell in Manchester.
