Man City caught off-guard as Fenerbahce announce deal reached to sign Nathan Ake

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is on the verge of a move to Turkish club Fenerbahce in a deal initially valued at £7 million, which could rise to £8.5 million with add-ons. However, the Turkish giants' announcement on Friday that they had agreed a deal for the 31-year-old Netherlands international is understood to have caught City off guard, as the transfer is not yet fully complete. Fenerbahce issued a statement confirming the agreement: "Our club has reached an agreement with and signed a contract with Nathan Ake, a player for the Dutch national team. Ake, who has been playing in the 2026 Fifa World Cup, will join our team at the Austrian training camp after his leave of absence." The premature disclosure from the Turkish side suggests that negotiations are still ongoing to finalise all aspects of the transfer. Ake was knocked out of the World Cup earlier this week (Getty) The impending transfer would bring an end to Ake's six-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium. The 31-year-old, a £41 million signing from Bournemouth in the summer of 2020, has enjoyed a highly successful period with City, accumulating an impressive trophy haul that includes four Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, and two Carabao Cups. Despite this team success, Ake struggled for consistent playing time in Pep Guardiola’s final season as City boss, making only six starts in his 18 Premier League appearances. He had one year remaining on the four-year contract he signed following City’s Champions League success in the summer of 2023. Ake recently featured in three of the Netherlands’ four games at the World Cup, starting two. However, he was notably replaced in the 71st minute of their last-32 tie against Morocco, which ultimately ended in a penalty shootout defeat for his national side on Tuesday. His acquisition appears to be a significant strategic move for Fenerbahce, with club president Aziz Yildirim making Ake a key transfer target prior to his election last month. Fenerbahce, who finished as runners-up in the Turkish Super Lig last season, will be hoping experienced defender Ake can bolster their squad as they aim for domestic and European success next season.