Everton will be looking to bolster their defence this summer – and a development involving Nathan Ake might just get Toffees executives talking.
This term Everton have done relatively well defensively.
That was perhaps to be expected, with David Moyes teams famous for being difficult to beat.
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But there are a few reasons why new additions could be made.
James Tarkowski and Michael Keane are both 33 and the club will need to be looking at long-term replacements soon.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury record has become a worry for Everton, and he is now facing more time out with a new hamstring issue.
Nathan Ake has been on Everton’s radar in recent times, and now the club may have been given encouragement to make a summer swoop.
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Nathan Ake ‘expected’ to leave Man City amid Everton links
Nathan Ake playing for Manchester City.
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Everton first became linked with Ake last summer, but a move did not materialise then.
Manchester City were seemingly not prepared to lose the Dutchman for 2025/26.
But it looks like Pep Guardiola’s side will not adopt that same stance in the 2026 summer window.
The Athletic have reported that it is now ‘expected’ that Ake will leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, potentially opening the door for Everton to swoop.
Everton are already thought to be in dialogue with City over Jack Grealish, who suffered a season-ending injury back in January.
So potentially, there could be some talk about a potential move for Ake.
It’s something that could make a great deal of sense for Everton.
Ake may not have been a regular at City for large parts of his time there, but he hasn’t looked out of place when he’s played.
Ultimately, he’s a solid, reliable defender who can also offer good versatility.
As someone who can play both at left-back and centre-back, Ake – who’s won four league titles with City – is probably ideal for Moyes, who loves using physical players in wide areas.
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Premier League table.
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There has been more criticism of Vitalii Mykolenko recently and Everton should ideally be looking to upgrade on the Ukrainian.
The club are thought to be keen to hand Mykolenko a new contract, but even if that happens, a move for Ake ought to be something Everton at least look into.
There is also the fact that Ake will only have a year left on his contract. So a transfer would not break the bank for Everton, who need to be on the lookout for those savvy deals this summer.
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