€45 million fee sees Ake join Fenerbahçe in Turkish title push

Around €45 million, Dutch defender Nathan Ake has completed his transfer from Manchester City to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, ending a six‑year spell at the Etihad Stadium where he made 177 appearances and helped secure 12 major trophies and was part of a period that saw the club dominate domestically and in Europe.

Ake arrived at City from Bournemouth in the summer of 2020 for a fee reported around €45 million. During his tenure he featured in 177 matches across all competitions and added four Premier League crowns, a Champions League trophy and multiple domestic cups to his résumé.

Capable of playing centre‑back or left‑back, Ake earned a reputation for composure, tactical intelligence and consistency in big games. Injuries limited his final seasons, yet he remained a key squad member when fit and represented the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting three of four matches and the round‑of‑32 loss to Morocco.

Manchester City entered a period of transition as Pep Guardiola departed earlier this year. Enzo Maresca took over as manager and the club began reshaping the playing roster for a new era.

Fenerbahçe missed the Turkish Super Lig title by a single point, finishing behind rivals Galatasaray. After the season, the club replaced Domenico Tedesco with Ismail Kartal, who returned for his fourth spell in charge.

The Turkish side confirmed Ake’s arrival on Friday but did not disclose contract length or transfer fee. He is expected to join teammates at the pre‑season camp in Austria once administrative formalities are finalised, bolstering Kartal’s defensive options.

Ake’s signing underscores Fenerbahçe’s intent to reclaim the league crown and compete in European tournaments. The move adds experience to a squad eager to end a lengthy wait for domestic glory.