Manchester City are undergoing a significant transition as several key members of their treble-winning squad prepare to depart the Etihad Stadium. Manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly not standing in the way of defender Nathan Ake's exit, with a move to Serie A on the horizon.
According to Dutch publication Voetbal International, the 31-year-old Netherlands international is closing in on a transfer to Italy, with Juventus and Roma leading the chase. AC Milan had attempted to sign him in January, but a deal did not materialize. Guardiola's willingness to let Ake leave signals a changing of the guard at the Premier League champions.
Ake, who joined City from Bournemouth in 2020 for £41 million, has been a reliable squad player, contributing to the club's historic treble in 2022/23. However, his playing time has diminished over the past two seasons, with just 25 league appearances combined in the last two campaigns. Injuries and the emergence of younger options like Nico O'Reilly and Rayan Ait-Nouri have pushed him down the pecking order.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad earlier this season, Ake hinted at an impending departure, describing City's League Cup triumph as "a nice ending" to his six-year stint in Manchester. The defender's preference is not to return to the Netherlands just yet, making a switch to SerieA a compelling option. Transfermarkt values Ake at €15 million.
Meanwhile, the exodus is not limited to Ake. Club captain Bernardo Silva has formally informed City that he will leave at the end of the season, ending a trophy-laden spell. Reports also suggest that John Stones could depart for Bayern Munich on a free transfer, though that remains unverified. The departures represent the breakup of the core that propelled City to domestic dominance and European glory.
City are still chasing a third treble under Guardiola, with an FA Cup final and a slim chance of retaining the Premier League title if Arsenal slip up. But the squad is clearly in flux. Rodri has been linked with a move away, while James Trafford and Omar Marmoush are seeking more first-team football. Tijjani Reijnders has struggled to settle since his move from AC Milan.
The club's rebuild has already begun, with the emergence of players like O'Reilly and Ait-Nouri. Guardiola's ability to refresh the squad will be tested this summer as he looks to maintain City's competitive edge. The exits of experienced figures could also impact the dressing room dynamic, as leadership roles shift to younger stars like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.
For Ake, a move to Serie A offers a fresh challenge after years of being a reliable understudy. Juventus and Roma both present opportunities for regular football, and his versatility across the backline makes him an attractive target. The Dutchman has been an exceptional signing for City, but Guardiola's decision not to block his departure underscores the pragmatic approach to squad management.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester City fans face the reality that an era is ending. The departures of Silva, Stones, and possibly Ake mark the conclusion of a golden period. Yet, with Guardiola still at the helm and a strong foundation in place, the club is poised for its next chapter.
Based on reporting from Latest from FourFourTwo.
