Newcastle United target Nathan Ake has commented on what the future holds for him next season.
The 27-year-old is being linked with an exit from Manchester City, with the Times claiming he will be allowed to leave.
Ake hasn’t played a lot of football this season, and has been told by Pep Guardiola that they will sell him if he wants to go.
The Magpies are keen, with multiple outlets reporting interest from Eddie Howe’s side. There’s a problem though, with City reportedly wanting £50million for the defender.
That’s a lot of money, and it’s currently putting Newcastle off. That kind of money would see City make a £9million profit, having bought him from Howe’s Bournemouth for £41million.
A reunion between Howe and Ake could be on the horizon, but it won’t come cheap.
Nathan Ake making plans to stay at Manchester City
The centre-back is currently away on international duty with the Netherlands, who take on Wales in the Nations League on Wednesday night.
Ake has spoken to the media, and was asked about his immediate future by De Telegraaf.
“I am going to show myself even more next season. In principle, I just want to continue at City,” he said, as quoted by Sport Witness.
Ake also commented on Man City signing Erling Haaland. He’s looking forward to his arrival.
“That will be fun in training. He is of course very powerful and has a nose for goal. In the way we play, we may need that type of player too. He’s a very different type of player than we have now. I think he is a very good asset.”
Ake comments cast doubt over Newcastle move
The Dutchman doesn’t sound like a player who is itching for a move.
Ake wants to stay at the Etihad and play alongside Haaland, rather than come up against him next season. I can’t imagine many defenders would begrudge Ake’s stance there – the prospect of coming up against one of the world’s best strikers must be terrifying.
But while Ake says he wants to stay at City, he didn’t necessarily say he will. And his stance perhaps may change if Newcastle come in with an acceptable offer for him.
Would a move to St James’ Park interest him? We’re certainly a club on the up, while he would get the chance to work with Howe once again. He’d also be a guaranteed starter, which is a luxury he’s never been afforded by Guardiola.
However, with an extortionate fee and a player reluctant to move, this deal doesn’t feel at all likely at the moment.
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