New agreement, sporting director reaction, transfer speculation: Nathan Ake extends Manchester City contract

Manchester City have successfully negotiated a new and improved contract with the ever-impressive and versatile defender Nathan Ake, the club have confirmed.

The well-deserved improvement of contractual terms for the Netherlands international comes 12 months after the 28-year-old was strongly linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium following a largely underwhelming start to life at the club.

However, the most recent treble-winning campaign under Pep Guardiola was one of great success on both a personal and collective note for Nathan Ake, who starred in various roles for the Premier League champions.

Operating as both a left-back and central defender throughout the season, Nathan Ake certainly made up for the loss of Joao Cancelo in the January transfer window, after the Portugal international made the decision to leave the club in search of more game-time.

Now, ahead of the new season, Nathan Ake and Manchester City have reached an agreement over fresh terms and an extended contract to reward the former Bournemouth and Chelsea man for his meteoric rise within Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Following confirmation from Manchester City this week, here is everything you need to know about the deal agreed between all relevant parties!

What is the length of Nathan Ake’s new contract?

Nathan Ake has signed a new and improved four-year deal with Manchester City, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2027 at the earliest.

Has Nathan Ake received a pay-rise?

As well as an extended deal with the reigning Premier League and Champions League winners, Nathan Ake has also seen his salary increase significantly, with The Athletic reporting that the defender will now earn more than £160,000 per week.

How has Nathan Ake reacted to his new agreement?

Speaking to ManCity.com upon putting pen to paper on a new agreement, Nathan Ake explained, “This is the best club in the world, I have no doubts about that. Being a Manchester City player makes me incredibly proud every single day.

“It’s a football club that expects excellence in every area, which makes for the perfect environment to improve. It drives me on and makes me better. I am at the stage of my career where I want to keep developing and I can definitely do that here.”

He continued, “Pep is the best manager in football – a genius who has made me see the game differently – so to be able to work with him for longer is a real privilege. I am so grateful to him for everything he has done for me, both personally and professionally.

“I also want to thank the City fans for their support. I have really felt it since I came here, and it helps me so much. My focus now is on making them proud and winning more trophies.”

How has Txiki Begiristain reacted to Nathan Ake’s new deal?

Offering his take on the new deal, Manchester City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain told ManCity.com, “We have been delighted with Nathan’s development, so it’s great news for this football club that he is extending his time with us.

“There is no doubt he was a very important part of our Treble success last season, but I believe he can be even better. Technically, tactically and physically he has everything we want in a defender – and he is so professional, dedicated and willing to learn, which for Pep is an ideal scenario.”

He continued, “Nathan is also an incredible human being who has the respect of absolutely everybody at the Club. I am really happy for him and his family, and I am excited to see what more he can achieve here at City in the coming years.”

Was Nathan Ake’s Manchester City future in any doubt?

Nathan Ake was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea during the summer transfer window of 2022, following a season of struggles with Pep Guardiola’s side and a failure to cement himself as a regular first-team starter.

Despite some reports of an agreement in place over personal terms at the time, Manchester City ultimately opted to retain the player’s services, while Nathan Ake himself vowed to give his all for the club in the hope of a significant upturn in form.

What is next for Nathan Ake at Manchester City?

The forthcoming 2023/24 season is expected to bring more of the same for Nathan Ake, as the Dutchman looks to retain his place as the club’s go-to option in the left-back role, competing for the position with the likes of Manuel Akanji and Sergio Gomez.

At present, the 28-year-old is looking to regain full fitness ahead of Manchester City’s opening competitive fixture of the 2023/24 season, as they take on Arsenal in the FA Community Shield on Sunday evening.

After being replaced against Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly due to an injury concern, Nathan Ake clarified, “It’s a tight calf. We will see in the next few days, but it’s nothing serious. I’ll be ok next week, for sure.”