Manchester City might have won the 2025/26 Carabao Cup, but the Premier League giant might lose one of the most experience player in their squad during the summer.
Nathan Ake who played an important role in the final against Arsenal has dropped a big hint that he could leave Man City in the summer transfer window. The 31-year-old former Chelsea player has been a dependable figure for Pep Guardiola’s side since joining from Bournemouth in 2020, racking up 172 appearances for the club.
However, he has failed to stay fit in recent months with a combination of recurring injury setbacks, a move that saw him get a reduced role this season.
The Netherlands international has found himself on the fringes of the squad, only making four starts in his 14 Premier League appearances.
Nathan Aké lifts the Carabao Cup trophy after Man City’s victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Final match. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Reflecting on the 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, Ake hinted that the trophy win might serve as his final act in a City shirt. When questioned about his plans for the upcoming summer transfer window, the defender provided a telling response.
“I have no idea, but winning the Carabao would certainly be a nice ending,” Ake told Algemeen Dagblad while on international duty. “He [Guardiola] said he was super proud of me and that I played a top match. We have been through so much together in the last six years.”
While Ake is yet to share details about his next move, a report from Sport has linked La Liga giants Barcelona with a move for the experienced centre-back.
The report claim Barcelona sporting director Deco is a long-time admirer of Ake, while Catalunya Radio suggests the Blaugrana believe City may be willing to let him go for a ‘good’ fee, without specifying a figure.
City are open to cash out on some big names in their squad but it’s still unclear if Ake will be allowed to leave.
