Nathan Ake remains at the center of transfer discussions, even as Manchester City expresses a desire to keep him this month.
The Netherlands international’s future at the Etihad Stadium appears uncertain after a challenging 18 months plagued by injuries, which have limited his playing time and allowed Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to solidify their spots in Pep Guardiola’s defensive lineup.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has cautioned Ake that his chances of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup depend on regular club play, emphasizing the need for consistent appearances as he targets a spot in the tournament set to take place this summer in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Due to injuries earlier this month to both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, Ake has seen increased playing time in central defense. Additionally, Manchester City has recalled academy graduate Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford and strengthened their squad with the strategic £20 million acquisition of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
Since taking on the role of director of football in 2025, Hugo Viana has made significant changes to Guardiola’s squad. With Ake’s contract entering its final 18 months, it is anticipated that he will depart Manchester City by 2027.
As City aims for silverware in the upcoming seasons, John Stones is also having a difficult season due to injuries, and he is expected to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
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Alleyne has impressed Guardiola and his coaching staff since returning from London, starting five of Manchester City’s seven matches since his loan termination at Watford.
The 20-year-old is poised to be fully integrated into the first-team squad next season, with Guardiola also relying on Abdukodir Khusanov in recent weeks to manage the defensive load in the absence of his preferred central defense pairing.
Vitor Reis is having an outstanding season on loan at CFG-owned Girona in Spain, and Guardiola may choose to bring the young Brazilian back to England this summer, particularly if Stones leaves on a free transfer and Ake is sold a year before the expiration of his contract.
Manchester City officials aim to avoid losing Ake for free in 2027, and given the defender’s fitness concerns, it increasingly appears that a departure may occur at the end of this season.
According to MailSport’s Simon Jones, Ake has attracted interest from Serie A giants AC Milan, but it is unclear whether this interest pertains to the current January window or the upcoming summer transfer market.
City is not expected to make any major signings for the first-team in January; instead, the focus will likely be on departures as the transfer window nears its end. Oscar Bobb has already completed his medical with Fulham, and Stefan Ortega Moreno is also anticipated to secure a new club before the February 2 deadline.