- Nathan Ake is expected to leave Manchester City
- The Dutch defender has started just four games this season
- Everton are expected to bid for the Manchester City defender
Everton have identified centre‑back as a priority area this summer. Jarrad Branthwaite has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, while Michael Keane, despite signing a one‑year extension, is moving towards the latter stages of his career at Everton.
James Tarkowski turns 34 later this year, and Jake O’Brien has spent much of the season playing at right‑back due to a lack of options in that position. The need for a quality and proven centre back is clear.
According to Football Insider, Everton are now set to target Manchester City’s Nathan Ake in the summer as the Dutch defender seeks more game time. The Toffees previously explored a deal last summer but never submitted a bid. Now, with signing a centre‑back a priority, they are firmly back in the race.
Nathan Ake has a diminished role at Manchester City
Ake has seen his minutes at City drastically reduced this season. He has made just 15 Premier League appearances, only four of which have been starts, totalling 486 minutes.
Across all competitions, the 31‑year‑old has played 29 matches and 1,444 minutes. Abdukodir Khusanov and the arrival of Marc Guehi have pushed him further down the pecking order. City are open to his departure with just one year remaining on his contract.
Nathan Ake has already hinted that his time at the Etihad could be coming to an end. When asked about his future after City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal last month, he said: “I have no idea, but winning the Carabao would certainly be a nice ending”. Those words suggest he is preparing for a summer exit.
Ake is a proven winner who can strengthen Everton’s defence
Since joining City from Bournemouth in 2020 for £41m, Nathan Ake has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups. He has made 174 appearances for the club. His experience and trophy collection would be invaluable to a young Everton squad learning to compete at the higher end of the table.
Ake is left‑footed, comfortable at both centre‑back and left‑back, and excels in one‑on‑one defensive situations. This season, despite limited minutes, he has completed 89% of his passes and won 69% of his duels. His ability to cover multiple positions would give David Moyes valuable tactical flexibility, particularly useful if Everton qualify for European football.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract, City are unlikely to demand a massive fee. For Everton, a proven, experienced, versatile defender with a winning record could be within grasping money. The opportunity has presented itself. Now it is down to The Friedkin Group and David Moyes to seize it.
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