Guardiola keen to keep Nathan Ake at Man City despite contract uncertainty

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he wants Nathan Ake to remain at Manchester City, even though the defender is entering the final year of his contract and faces intense competition for minutes at centre-back.

“He has a contract for one more year with us, right? I wish he’d stay with us,” Guardiola said, underlining how highly he values the 31-year-old Dutchman. He admitted Ake has had fitness issues at times but stressed his dependability whenever he is on the pitch. “Nathan is maybe sometimes not reliable in physicality. But there are few players more reliable when they play than him… He’s one of the most incredible teammates, for a manager, for his teammates, like ever.”

Ake, who joined City from Bournemouth six years ago, has started only five Premier League games this season, squeezed by a deep pool of central defenders. Multiple exits are expected in that department this summer, putting Ake’s situation under the spotlight.

Guardiola continues to highlight Ake’s influence in big matches, including Champions League finals, and sees his experience and character as vital in a dressing room that could soon undergo major defensive changes.