Aziz Yıldırım targets Manchester City defender Nathan Ake

Aziz Yıldırım, the Fenerbahce presidential candidate, has identified Manchester City defender Nathan Ake as a key transfer target if he wins the election. The Turkish club aims to add the Dutch centre‑back to its squad. Nathan Ake’s current contract with Manchester City is set to expire next summer, and a 2023 extension runs until the summer of 2027. He arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Bournemouth in August 2020 on a five‑year deal. Yıldırım says he can meet Manchester City’s €11 million transfer fee demand and Ake’s €6 million annual salary request. He pledged to fulfil both conditions should he become president. The former club president visited England to hold talks with Manchester City officials about the potential signing. He asserted that the deal would be sealed once he is elected. Yıldırım plans to pair Ake with Milan Skriniar to create a defensive ‘dream team’ for Fenerbahce. The defensive reinforcement is part of his campaign to restore the club’s success. Other clubs linked to Ake include Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan, AS Roma and Bournemouth, while Chelsea is noted as his former club. Interest from these sides reflects his profile in Europe. Ake started 17 of his 32 appearances for Manchester City in the 2025/26 campaign. He logged 688 minutes in 18 Premier League matches, including six starts, under former manager Pep Guardiola. Pep Guardiola previously said he hoped the 31‑year‑old would remain at Manchester City and called him an “incredible signing”. The English side is expected to appoint Enzo Maresca as its new manager. Fenerbahce, which secured six Super Lig titles during Yıldırım’s 20‑year presidency, is targeting a return to the top flight ahead of its 120th anniversary. Strengthening the defence with Ake is central to that ambition. Yıldırım’s promise to sign Ake underscores his focus on defensive solidity as a cornerstone of his electoral platform.