Manchester City verbally agreed with Nathan Ake over a new contract that would substantially increase the 28-year-old’s salary.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are very close to sealing a new contract for Nathan Ake after reaching a verbal agreement with the defender. The £41 million star’s current deal was valid until 2025, but he will remain at the Etihad for the foreseeable future.
Nathan Ake’s turnaround story is up there with some of the best tales in the Premier League. This time last year, the 28-year-old was unsure if he wanted to continue at Manchester City, with Chelsea inches away from re-signing him in a £40 million-plus deal.
At that time, Manchester City were chasing Marc Cucurella as a potential replacement for Ake, only for the Spaniard to join Chelsea. Pep Guardiola then convinced the 28-year-old Dutchman to stay put and may have given him assurances about his role in the season that went by.
In hindsight, it was one of the best decisions, as Ake proved his worth and was one of Manchester City’s best performers. He was vital to their treble-winning season and became a bonafide regular under Guardiola.
EXCL: Manchester City have reached an agreement with Nathan Aké, it’s done — set to be sealed in the next days 🔵🔒
After talks progressing earlier this week, verbal agreement reached today. New long term deal in place with salary to be increased.
Here we go 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/nSDVBEbGDs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2023
Manchester City have now verbally agreed on a new deal with Ake to secure his future at the club. It’s a new long-term deal, which the club hopes to seal soon. It also comes with a substantial pay rise for the 28-year-old defender, which will improve his stature in the team.
It is a massive boost for Manchester City supporters who have already seen two of their most experienced stars leave. Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer, while Riyad Mahrez moved to Saudi side Al Ahli. Guardiola will continue looking for replacements, with Mateo Kovacic the only senior signing in this window.
Meanwhile, Manchester City could also lose Aymeric Laporte amid the growing interest in the Spanish defender. If the centre-back does leave, it puts more emphasis on Ake to stay, as he will have to assume a more important role in the squad.
Manchester City are chasing Josko Gvardiol to replace the Laporte, but the trail has gone cold in the last week. Irrespective of the Croatian arriving here, Ake will have a major role to play in the system under Guardiola.
The new deal will somewhat go a long way in securing the left side of the defence for a few more years. Ake can play on the left-back slot and centrally, and overall adds plenty of value to this Manchester City side, as seen last season.
