Turkish giants Fenerbahce claimed Nathan Ake had signed for them on Friday before an official announcement from Manchester City
Nathan Ake bid farewell to Manchester City at the end of season after party in May
Nathan Ake bid farewell to Manchester City at the end of season after party in May(Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
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Manchester City have now confirmed Nathan Ake has left the club to join Fenerbahce. On Friday, the Turkish club shocked the Blues by releasing a statement announcing Ake's arrival. This was news to City, who despite being in talks with Fenerbahce had not yet agreed a deal with them.
However, City have now released their own statement thanking Ake for his six years at the Etihad Stadium. In a farewell video posted on their website, City wrote: "We’re thanking Nathan Ake today as he leaves City following six trophy-laden years in Manchester. The hugely likeable and impressive 31-year-old has moved to Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce after making his mark during the most decorated era in this club’s history.
"Ake helped us to 12 major honours during his time in the sky blue shirt, including four Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup and two FA Cups, two League Cups, Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup. That included an important role during our treble campaign, the greatest season in City’s history.
"And he’s signed off in style by helping us to two major trophies this past term, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. We wish the Dutchman well in his next stage of his football journey."
A fee of around £7m, potentially rising to £8.5m, had been talked about in discussions between the clubs. Pre-emptively announcing the deal on Friday, Fenerbahce stated: "Our club has reached an agreement with Nathan Ake, a player of the Netherlands National Team, and has signed a contract with the footballer.
"The player, who wore the Netherlands jersey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will join our team in the Austria camp following the permission process. We present this to the information of the public."
Following John Stones' exit at the end of the season, City now have four senior centre-backs remaining at the Etihad Stadium. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi are expected to stay at the club this summer.
Youngster Max Alleyne was recalled from a loan spell at Watford in January to provide cover for the Blues. Meanwhile, Vitor Reis will return to City this summer after spending last season on loan at Girona.