Nathan Ake set to leave Manchester City this summer

Nathan Ake is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing a six-year spell at the Etihad close to an end despite having 12 months left on his contract.

The 31-year-old defender was already open to a move in January, but City’s injury crisis at the back meant any exit had to be put on hold.

This campaign, Ake has slipped down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order and is now viewed more as a squad option than an automatic starter. He currently sits behind Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov in the battle for centre-back minutes, a shift that has naturally raised questions about his future.

Ake has still contributed when called upon, making 29 appearances in all competitions and logging 1,445 minutes so far this season. However, with younger competition around him and just a year remaining on his deal, a summer move now looks increasingly likely for the Dutch international. After six seasons, multiple trophies and a key role in several title-winning campaigns, this summer could mark the end of his chapter in Manchester as he looks for more regular football elsewhere.