Fenerbahce announce deal to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake
Manchester City have been caught off guard after Turkish side Fenerbahce prematurely announced an agreement to sign defender Nathan Ake for an initial £7m.
The deal for the 31-year-old is understood to include potential add-ons that could take the final package to £8.5m.
However, the release of an official statement on Friday confirming the capture of the Netherlands international surprised executives at the Etihad Stadium as negotiations are still ongoing.
Premature announcement
Fenerbahce publicly declared they had secured the former Bournemouth centre-back despite the transfer paperwork remaining incomplete.
“Our club has reached an agreement with and signed a contract with Nathan Ake, a player for the Dutch national team,” a club statement read.
The Super Lig runners-up added that their new acquisition will link up with his team-mates at an Austrian training camp following a post-World Cup break.
End of a trophy-laden era
The impending departure brings down the curtain on a highly successful six-year spell in Manchester for the versatile defender.
Since arriving for £41m in the summer of 2020, he has lifted four Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and two Carabao Cups.
Despite that collective success, the Dutchman struggled for regular minutes during Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge, making just six league starts.
With only one year remaining on his current contract, a summer exit appeared increasingly likely in search of regular first-team football.
World Cup frustration
The experienced campaigner was recently on international duty at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, starting two matches for his country.
His tournament ended in disappointment on Tuesday after being substituted in the 71st minute of a penalty shootout defeat by Morocco in the last 32.
Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim had identified the defender as a priority target prior to his election last month.
The Turkish giants will now hope his pedigree can help anchor a defence aiming for domestic and European glory next season.