Manchester City complete Ake signing

Manchester City have completed the signing of Nathan Ake from AFC Bournemouth. The deal is said to be in the region of £41 million and was ratified on Tuesday (August 4).

The Netherlands international put pen to paper on a five-year deal to keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2025.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the 25-year-old expressed his desire to win trophies under Pep Guardiola.
“City have been the best side in England over the course of the last decade,” he said.
“Coming here is a dream for me. This is a top side full of world-class players. Everywhere you look in this squad there are big names with international pedigree.
“Pep is a manager admired across the world – what he’s done in the game speaks for itself. The success he’s had is unbelievable and the style of football he plays really appeals to me.
“I know I’m going to have to work hard to get into the side, but that’s what I’m here to do. I’ll do whatever I can to make an impact and help the team win silverware.”

The Cherries – who are currently on the lookout for a new manager following Eddie Howe’s departure by mutual consent on Saturday – accepted the offer from City, which effectively doubled what Bournemoth originally paid for Ake.

City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Nathan is a quality defender. He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth, and I am so pleased we’ve managed to bring him here.
“He’s strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s setup.
“Working with this squad, which is full of world-class players, will raise his level, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can achieve here in the coming years.”

Ake joined Bournemouth from Chelsea, initially on loan, in 2016 and made his move permanent the following year for a club-record £20 million. Vincent Kompany was not replaced when he departed last summer, and Ake will be asked to solidify the back-line next term.