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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 22 March 2026 7:30, UK

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Nathan Ake could leave Manchester City this summer as they prepare to accept offers for his services despite turning down approaches in the January window.

Ake was linked to Everton and West Ham in the winter, but City were reluctant to let him leave amid their own defensive issues.

Injuries to both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol saw the Dutchman come into Pep Guardiola’s side, but the former has now recovered, and Ake has started just one of City’s last nine games in all competitions.

They now plan to accept offers for him to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast.

Man City’s transfer plans are taking shape as they aim to compete on all fronts once again next term, and Ake is not set to be part of their squad, with an exit on the radar.

Nathan Ake may seek to leave Man City for more playing time elsewhere

Ake has won 10 major trophies in his six years of being a City player since joining from Bournemouth in 2020, and has racked up 171 appearances for the club so far.

His versatility at the back has been a real asset to Guardiola in seasons gone by, but he is now 31-years-old, and has started just four Premier League games all season up to now.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It could be the right time, maybe, for a parting of the ways for both parties. Ake has been a good servant to Man City.

“He did have interest in the January window, but Man City couldn’t let him leave with injuries to Ruben Dias and others.

“Josko Gvardiol obviously picked up that long-term injury as well, so there was no way that City could let (Ake) move on.

“Maybe he will feel, at this stage of his career, he might need to move on in search of regular first-team football.”

Rodri may also leave Man City as Real Madrid circle

The Citizens are potentially facing a summer of big changes, with the future of numerous players in doubt alongside Pep Guardiola.

Another of their stars who has been linked with a move away is 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who has suffered from injuries this season and been restricted to 18 league appearances so far.

He is approaching the final year of his contract at the Etihad, and Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Rodri could be tempted to join Real Madrid this summer as they prioritise his arrival.

The 29-year-old is considering his future at City ahead of the off-season, but any exit decision is likely to be delayed until after he goes to the World Cup with Spain.