West Ham United will reportedly compete with Barcelona and Crystal Palace in the race to sign 30-year-old Dutch utility man Nathan Ake from Manchester City in January.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Nathan Ake is the subject of interest from West Ham United. Crystal Palace and Barcelona are also keen on signing the Manchester City utility man, with the Blaugrana eyeing a loan deal. Meanwhile, City would prefer to part ways with the Netherlands international for €30-35 million in the winter transfer window.
How has Nathan Ake fared at Manchester City?
Nathan Ake has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in August 2020. The 30-year-old has been reliable at the back for the Citizens, but he has never been an undisputed first-choice starter, with his game time plummeting in the last two seasons. Nevertheless, the Dutchman has been a utility man for Manchester City, as he can play as a centre-back and a left-back.
The versatile Dutch defender has made over 150 appearances thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with ten goals and three assists. However, the lack of regular game time has compelled Ake to seek a departure. The Netherlands international has no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature, with Crystal Palace, Barcelona, and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.
What next?
West Ham United will dip into the market for a centre-back in the winter transfer window, as Max Kilman faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium amid his links with Crystal Palace. Additionally, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo have been dreadful at the back. So, Ake has emerged as a viable target for West Ham.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s interest in Nathan Ake makes sense. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window as they prepare for Marc Guehi’s impending departure next summer. The English international has entered the final months of his Crystal Palace contract, compelling the South London club to look for a long-term replacement.
As for Barcelona, Andreas Christensen’s injury has forced the Blaugrana to scour the market for a centre-back. Ake has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit seeking a loan move. Meanwhile, Manchester City will be open to selling the 30-year-old Dutchman in the winter transfer window, setting a price tag of €30-35 million.
With Ake eager to leave Manchester City in the winter transfer window, a move may be on the cards. However, with Barcelona seeking a loan move, it will be interesting to see if they can beat West Ham and Crystal Palace to the versatile Dutch defender’s signature.
