Manchester City are reportedly set to hand Nathan Ake a new bumper contract six months after the Premier League champions were looking to sell the Dutch international.
According to the Daily Star, Pep Guardiola’s side are ready to hand the versatile defender a new contract worth £120,000-a-week after establishing himself as a vital part of City’s senior squad this season, with Ake making 25 appearances in all competitions.
With Joao Cancelo leaving for Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, Ake’s ability to play left-back has made the Portuguese international’s loan departure a bit more manageable for City, with the defender impressing supporters and pundits greatly this season.
Despite the defender’s form, few would have predicted Ake to become this important for Guardiola this campaign given how close the defender was to leaving City in the summer, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Chelsea had a full agreement to sign the centre-back.
However, as we know, a transfer broke down as the west London side eventually signed Wesley Fofana from Leicester City, whilst Ake has firmly established himself as a starter for City and a key player in the Manchester side’s push to retain the Premier League title.
Indeed, whilst City’s defensive record has been disappointing this season, Ake’s performances have more than warranted a new contract for the former AFC Bournemouth star, with the defender well into his prime and set to play a huge role for the Manchester side in the months to come.
Manchester City right to hand Ake a new bumper contract
Ake’s rise to prominence in the City XI has been a surprise for many, with the Manchetser side’s ability to rotate their defence with quality options a big testament to Guardiola’s coaching style and team management. And a new contract is more than deserved for the centre-back.
Versatile and at the peak of his career, Ake’s form has been exceptional considering his status within the City squad over the last few seasons. And for many, the defender more than earns this new contract based on what the centre-back can continue to offer in the coming months and years.
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