Nathan Ake: Manchester City sign Bournemouth defender for £40m - BBC Sport
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Nathan Ake: Manchester City sign Bournemouth defender for £40m

Last updated on .From the section Man Citycomments985

Nathan Ake
Ake, who has won 13 caps for the Netherlands, has played for Chelsea, Watford and Reading

Manchester City have signed Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake for £40m.

The Netherlands international, who has agreed a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium, described joining Pep Guardiola's side as a "dream".

"Pep is a manager admired across the world. What he's done in the game speaks for itself," said 25-year-old Ake.

"The success he's had is unbelievable and the style of football he plays really appeals to me."

It is understood there is an additional £1m in add-ons as part of the deal.

Ake becomes City's second summer signing following the £21m arrival of Valencia winger Ferran Torres, 20, on Tuesday.

Ake joined Bournemouth in 2017 for a club record fee and made 121 appearances.

'Ake fits Guardiola template superbly' - analysis

BBC Sport's Simon Stone

One of the obvious reasons why City lost the Premier League title to Liverpool was their failure to sign a replacement for Vincent Kompany.

It is significant that after the 3-2 defeat by Norwich on 14 September, Guardiola's two most experienced central defenders, Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones, did not start another Premier League game together until July.

Both stayed on the bench throughout the rematch with Norwich, when 19-year-old Eric Garcia started, before being replaced by Fernandinho at half-time.

It is a prerequisite for Guardiola that his defenders are able to take passes in tight situations and trigger attacks. Ake fits this template superbly.

He is also good in the air, which is one of 35-year-old Fernandinho's weaknesses after he was pressed into service in the makeshift role as Stones or Otamendi - and sometimes both - were ignored.

It might not be the end of the spending either, with more defensive reinforcements anticipated.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

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985 comments

  • Comment posted by Myrtle, at 19:59 5 Aug 2020

    Now that City are basically bomb proof when it come to FFP....the spending has only just begun

  • Comment posted by Eurows, at 20:13 5 Aug 2020

    Meanwhile football clubs are laying off staff. Something here is seriously wrong. Arsenal lay of 50+ staff but can find money for Willian

  • Comment posted by Nick87, at 19:56 5 Aug 2020

    Good luck Nathan! Everyone deserves a chance with a top club

  • Comment posted by Iain Darling, at 20:01 5 Aug 2020

    I was disappointed when Chelsea (the team I support) sold him to Bournemouth as I think he could have flourished there.

    But I'm pleased for him that he is getting an opportunity at a top club.

  • Comment posted by Andy Sweeney, at 20:02 5 Aug 2020

    Been a fan of his for some now and am pleased City have signed him. He's young but has a cool head and I think he'll be a great addition to the squad and will grow in stature in the City defence.

  • Comment posted by Bourne mouthy, at 20:06 5 Aug 2020

    City have got themselves a bargain. This young man is an accomplished player, comfortable on the ball, and never gave us anything less than 110%. Just watch him flourish. Good luck Nathan, and thanks for the time you spent at AFCB.

  • Comment posted by Butternut Chicken, at 19:55 5 Aug 2020

    Good luck to him. Served Bournemouth well and shame to leave them as they were relegated but time to live up to the hype. If he has any sense, he’ll call up VinnieK for some tips!!

  • Comment posted by The Outlaw, at 19:55 5 Aug 2020

    Great signing for city. Good luck to the lad

  • Comment posted by DorsetTiger, at 19:56 5 Aug 2020

    Sad as a Bournemouth fan to see him leave, but glad that it’s to Manchester City and not Manchester United considering the corrupt Ole tried to tap him up in the middle of a game. United always thinking they’re above the law, so good to see a little slap in the face for them here.

  • Comment posted by Irishkevb, at 21:59 5 Aug 2020

    I don’t think Liverpool would complain that Robertson had been relegated when they bought him and I can guarantee that Utd weren’t bothered about Roy Keane having been relegated with Forest when they signed him

  • Comment posted by OldBlue, at 20:49 5 Aug 2020

    134 - Arsenal - From Invincibles to Invisibles.

    Another waste of money. Something Man City sure are good at.

    -

    A bit like Pepe, David Luiz and Ozil you mean. At least City aren’t making 55 staff redundant while paying a player £350 grand a week to sit on his a—e and Willian £10 million to sign on. Let he who is without sin and all that.

  • Comment posted by ajackson, at 20:07 5 Aug 2020

    How can Pogba we world-class? He's not even Utd's best midfielder.

    Anyway, nice to see City making another tidy signing. Ferran Torres is another good pick. Good to see the top clubs investing in proper scouting rather than just throwing around money like confetti.

  • Comment posted by The Fettler, at 20:11 5 Aug 2020

    @47 ajackson

    Course Pogba is world class if the only world you live in is Old Trafford

  • Comment posted by all I want is a level playing field, at 20:03 5 Aug 2020

    Haha,,,,,the bitters are out already,,Have a pop at United boys,£80 million for Mutthead,,£90 million for Pogba,£500k a week on Sanchez..
    The hateful nine who sided against City are in for a torrid few years..

  • Comment posted by John, at 20:03 5 Aug 2020

    Sick of the childish 'Man City are cheats' comments. They've made great signings with their money and they don't go out and give players £500,000 a week contracts or £90million for players that have such a bad attitude they only try in half of the games, or spend £80million on painfully slow centre backs who get caught out time and time again. Or give massive contracts to has-been goalkeepers.

  • Comment posted by Pepe Pig49, at 20:16 5 Aug 2020

    Best of luck Nathan -City's gain will certainly be our loss. You are one of the main reasons we stayed in this division for 5 years. The fans love you- you're a truly class person on and off the field. Nothing is too much trouble for you also in a community sense. The jealous comments on here are just that -green with envy!

  • Comment posted by albert obalsam, at 21:20 5 Aug 2020

    Half the price of Harry Maguire for a player twice as good , plus the best young player in Spain for 20 million !! Remind me again which club is ruining football by paying overinflated fees ?

  • Comment posted by stevo, at 19:58 5 Aug 2020

    good signing clever defender who can score to.

  • Comment posted by D1679109174383, at 21:13 5 Aug 2020

    Nathan Ake is as brave as a lion . Great footballer , brilliant in the air . City
    have got themselves one hell of a player , thanks for your time at AFCB ,
    Nathan .

  • Comment posted by Steve, at 19:54 5 Aug 2020

    Will be interesting to see if he can step up to the next level. Could be a good partnership with him and laporte

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