On Saturday, it was announced that the 31-year-old had joined Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, subject to international clearance. The move sees the versatile defender depart the Etihad after what he described as ‘six wonderful years’.
The move also sees Ake reunited with former City goalkeeper Ederson, who left for pastures new in the summer of 2025. The Dutchman made 177 appearances forthe Blues over six successful seasons, scoring ten goals in the process and winning twelve major honours, which included an historic Treble in 2023.
With a year left on his current City deal, Ake’s departure wouldn’t be a surprise to the City faithful and it follows the high profile departures of John Stones, club captain Bernardo Silva and manager Pep Guardiola, with all three having a perfect send off from the football club following their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad on the final day of the Premier League season back in May.
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Ake’s City Career
Ake joined City from AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2020 as Pep Guardiola looked to bolster his defensive options with a solid player who was always going to give everything for the Manchester City cause.
He didn’t enjoy his best start to life as a City player as an injury forced the dependable defender to make just thirteen appearances in his first season at the Etihad. In his second season, he featured twenty-seven times, but his starting opportunities were limited and he had to impress by coming off the bench.
The 2022/2023 season was his breakthrough season withthe Blues, making forty-one appearances as City secured an historic Treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, and Ake was at the heart of the winning formula.
He found starts limited again during the first half of the season, but clearly impressed Pep Guardiola when he was called upon. So much so that he was starting over the out of favour Joao Cancelo post FIFA World Cup, which included starting and completing the full ninety minutes in the UEFA Champions League final as City made history at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.
The following season, Ake made forty-four appearances and helped City claim the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Premier League title. He made twenty-nine appearances across the Premier League campaign, helping City create more history by winning the Premier League title for an unprecedented four seasons in a row. A feat that has never been done before in English football.
In the 2024/2025 season, Ake only made twenty appearances across all competitions as he struggled to stay fit. In his final season, though, he made thirty-two appearances and helped the Blues win a domestic double as he started both finals at Wembley Stadium as City beat Arsenal and Chelsea to win the League Cup and FA Cup respectively.
Dependable, reliable, versatile, passionate, full of hunger and desire, but most of all it’s his never say die attitude and commitment to the cause that saw him loved by fans, coaches and players alike, as Ake leaves City a bit of a cult hero.
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Nathan Ake Manchester City Major Honours
Four Premier Leagues
Two League Cups
Two FA Cups
One Community Shield
One UEFA Champions League
One UEFA Super Cup
One FIFA Club World Cup
Departing Statement
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Speaking to ManCity.com he said “It’s been a privilege to represent Manchester City over the past six years and I’m so grateful to have been a part of a special team. I’ve grown so much here as a player and a person and I’m thankful for the time I’ve had at the club.”
“I’ll always cherish the memories, particularly of winning the Treble, being part of all four Premier League titles in a side that made history and triumphing in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup in my final season at the club.”
“While I’m moving on, I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved together and City will always be special to me.”