Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is close to signing a new and improved long-term contract with Pep Guardiola’s side after a superb season for the Premier League winners.
That’s according to Dutch outlets De Telegraaf and Voetbal International, who claim that the two parties have entered ‘the final phase of talks’ on a new contract for the former AFC Bournemouth defender.
Ake has been sensational as a left-back last season for City.
The 28-year-old Dutch defender had to deputise at left-back due to Joao Cancelo leaving the club, so the 28-year-old filled in at full-back as well as his preferred role of centre-back.
The report states that the Blues are set to reward Ake with a new mega-contract for his development this season.
Back in January, Guardiola claimed: “Without Ake, we do not play well.”
His performances have been vital for City and this new role for the Dutch defender has seemingly brought out his best performances, too.
Ake to become one of the highest-paid Dutch players in the league
As previously mentioned, Ake is set to become one of the highest-paid players from his country in the division.
According to the same report from De Telegraaf, he will be the second highest just behind Virgil Van Dijk with his new contract set to take his earnings from around £6 million to £8 million plus bonuses.
The renewal of the defender has been pushed by Guardiola in particular and it seems that the renewal of the defender’s contract is only a matter of time, with Voetbal claiming it’s a ‘greatly improved’ contract proposal for the Dutchman.
Ake was essential to Guardiola’s famed treble win and there is no surprise the former Barcelona manager is so keen to extend the contract of the defender who joined the club for £41 million back in 2020, according to Sky Sports.
With Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo looking likely to depart from the Etihad, the left-back spot may be Ake’s to lose going into the new season.
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