Man City told to pull Nathan Ake U-turn after ‘surprising’ source reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted it is “really surprising” to see Man City allow Nathan Ake to leave the club amid interest from Newcastle and Chelsea.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 27-year-old “deserves more game time” at the Etihad Stadium.
A Man City source told Football Insider earlier this week (4 July) that Ake is free to find a new club if they receive an appropriate offer and they can source a replacement.
The Netherlands international has three years left on his current contract and is understood to be a target of both Newcastle United and former club Chelsea.
Ake has won the Premier League in both of his seasons at Man City but has managed just 24 top-flight appearances in that time.
Whelan backed the “smashing” defender to prove Pep Guardiola’s side wrong by shining at a potential new club.
“I’m really surprised by this,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Nathan Ake is a really good defender and he’s proven that during his time at Man City. I’m sure most sides would take him.
“We know Chelsea want centre-backs, they’ve lost a fair few now and they need big personalities through the door. But I’m very disappointed.
“I think he deserved more game time in that Man City shirt, but to break through is very difficult.
“If he does go to Chelsea then hopefully he can prove Pep Guardiola and City wrong and show why he deserved to be playing more.
“He will complement that Chelsea side – I’ve got no doubt about it.
“He’s a smashing player and worth every penny.”
In other news, pundit issues emphatic Jack Grealish claim after Man City transfer update via Sky.