The news hit Manchester like thunder on a calm morning. Nathan Aké, the quiet soldier in Pep Guardiola’s unstoppable Manchester City empire, was now ready to walk away. After years of loyalty, battles, trophies, and patience, the Dutch defender had made up his mind — January could be the month he says goodbye to the Etihad. And this time, the feeling around the club was different. It wasn’t about a young player chasing dreams; it was about a proven winner, a four-time Premier League champion, who simply wanted to be seen, to play, to matter again.
Behind the smiles and polished interviews, Aké had been living in silence. Five appearances in the league — that was all Pep had given him this season. For a man who had fought through injuries, bench time, and tactical reshuffles to earn Guardiola’s trust, it was painful. His friends said he still trained with full intensity, still clapped his teammates on matchdays, still spoke kindly in the dressing room. But deep down, the spark was fading. The Netherlands international could no longer pretend everything was fine. He wanted football again, not just medals collecting dust in his cabinet.
Inter Milan, Juventus, and Crystal Palace — three clubs from different worlds, all circling around one man. In Italy, Aké’s name had become a secret whisper among directors and agents. Inter saw him as the perfect replacement for their aging defenders. Juventus viewed him as a calm leader who could bring stability to their rebuilding backline. And in London, Crystal Palace dreamed of something bigger — a Premier League-tested warrior who could instantly replace Marc Guehi if he left for Liverpool or Real Madrid.
City, as always, kept their cards close. Pep Guardiola didn’t want to lose him, but he also couldn’t guarantee minutes. The club was open to offers between €30 and €35 million — a fair price for a player who had done everything asked of him. Behind the scenes, conversations were happening quietly. Some insiders said Aké’s representatives had already spoken to multiple clubs. They wanted to find a project where he would be respected, not rotated.
When Aké joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in 2020, many thought he would struggle to fit into Guardiola’s system. But over time, he proved them wrong. His calm passing, intelligent positioning, and humble attitude made him one of the most dependable defenders in the squad. During the 2022–23 treble-winning season, he was one of the unsung heroes. Guardiola trusted him in the biggest games — against Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Real Madrid — because Aké never panicked. He was the man who quietly did the dirty work while others grabbed the headlines.
But this season, something changed. Guardiola started experimenting with new defensive combinations. Josko Gvardiol came in, Rico Lewis grew in confidence, and John Stones took on a more flexible role. Suddenly, Aké found himself slipping down the order. For a player of his quality, that was difficult to accept. Friends close to him said he began to question whether staying at City was worth it anymore. Not because of money — he had plenty — but because of pride.
“He’s a loyal guy,” said one former teammate. “He doesn’t complain, doesn’t shout. But when you see him sitting on the bench every week, you can feel he’s hurting inside. Nathan just wants to play football.”
The timing of his decision makes sense. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is around the corner, and Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side has fierce competition for defensive spots. Aké knows that without consistent playing time, his international career could fade. The Dutch coach values rhythm and fitness, and Aké cannot afford to spend another year watching from the sidelines.
In Italy, Juventus are quietly confident. Their new sporting director has been tracking Aké since his Chelsea days. They believe he would adapt quickly to Serie A, where defensive discipline and tactical intelligence are gold. Inter, meanwhile, see him as the ideal blend of power and calm. One Italian journalist even wrote: “If Inter sign Aké, they will be signing a wall that smiles.”
But Crystal Palace’s interest adds a wild twist to the story. The London club, known for spotting smart deals, believe they can offer Aké something neither Juventus nor Inter can — Premier League football and a leadership role. Palace could soon lose Marc Guehi, who is wanted by Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. For them, Aké is not just a backup plan — he’s a statement signing, proof that they can compete for serious players.
Inside the Manchester City camp, the mood is mixed. Some players are sad at the thought of losing him. Others understand his frustration. Pep Guardiola reportedly held a private meeting with Aké last week. The conversation was respectful but emotional. Pep reminded him how much he valued his professionalism, how important he had been during the treble run. But Aké, quietly, told his manager he needed to play. That moment said everything.
“Nathan is not angry,” one source said. “He’s just honest. He loves Manchester City. But he’s at a stage in his career where he can’t sit around anymore.”
In the City dressing room, Aké is one of the most respected voices. Young players often go to him for advice. He’s calm, composed, and rarely emotional. But after the last match, a few noticed something — he lingered longer in the tunnel, shaking hands with fans, looking around the Etihad with a strange smile. It was as if he was saying goodbye without words.
The club’s directors are now preparing for potential bids. They won’t force him out, but they won’t block him either. Guardiola’s philosophy has always been clear: if a player wants to leave, he will not stop them — as long as the club’s valuation is met. It’s the same approach that saw players like Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, and João Cancelo move on.
For Aké, leaving City will be painful. He has lifted four Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. Few players can say they were part of such a golden era. But football is cruel. Success doesn’t always mean happiness. And for Aké, the desire to feel important again outweighs the comfort of staying.
Juventus are believed to be preparing a formal offer soon, while Inter’s representatives have already made contact with his camp. Palace, however, remain hopeful they can convince him to stay in England. For them, it would be the biggest signing in years — a player who can transform their defensive line and bring leadership to the dressing room.
In the coming weeks, things will move fast. Agents will talk. Scouts will travel. And Pep Guardiola will face another difficult decision — whether to let go of one of his most trusted soldiers. The irony is that Pep always admired Aké’s calmness, his ability to follow instructions perfectly. But sometimes, even perfection isn’t enough when you’re fighting for minutes in a team full of superstars.
As January approaches, the football world will watch closely. Aké’s decision could trigger a chain reaction. If he goes to Juventus, Inter might move for another defender, perhaps from Spain. If he joins Palace, it could allow Guehi to make his big move. And if City decide to replace him, it could open the door for yet another record signing.
For now, Nathan Aké remains professional. He trains hard, smiles for the cameras, and gives everything when called upon. But those who know him best say his heart is already halfway out the door. He wants to play, to lead, to be more than just a squad player. And that dream might finally come true — just not in Manchester.
Sometimes, loyalty reaches its limit. Sometimes, even the calmest men have to chase their own freedom. Nathan Aké has done everything right — now it’s time for him to do what’s right for himself.
By January, Manchester City could be waving goodbye to one of their quietest heroes — a player who never complained, never made headlines, but always delivered when it mattered. And wherever he goes next, one thing is certain: he will take the same calmness, the same strength, and the same quiet determination that made him a champion in sky blue.
Because Nathan Aké was never just a defender — he was a lesson in humility, patience, and persistence. And now, his next chapter is ready to begin.
