Newcastle United transfer news: Nathan Ake responds to club-record transfer links with major vow on future

Nathan Ake is adamant he knows where his future lies amid claims he was being lined up for a club-record switch to Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola’s side are extremely well blessed for central defenders. Indeed, £40m man Ake probably finds himself fourth in the pecking order with Ruben Neves, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones all ahead of him. That said. Dutch defender Ake has looked more and more at ease in a Manchester City shirt.

Indeed, he made 27 appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 season, scoring three goals in the process.

However, that has not prevented speculation linking Ake with a move to Newcastle United this summer. The Magpies, under their Saudi regime, will have vast swathes of cash to spend this summer.

And while their manager Eddie Howe is keen to play down their transfer plans, they are likely to bring in a number of sizeable signings.

Indeed, Howe wants to strengthen in all areas of his side. And a permanent deal for Matt Targett from Aston Villa is reportedly closing in.

Next on the agenda may well be a new goalkeeper, though links to Dean Henderson have eased in recent days.

However, perhaps the biggest new arrival could come in central defence with Howe reportedly keen on Ake.

Star outlines future plans

The Dutchman played under Howe during their time together at Bournemouth.

And City would seemingly not stand in his way were he to ask to leave. That said, Pep Guardiola’s side would want a profit on their £40m investment, meaning any deal for Ake could cost a Newcastle club-record fee.

Ake, though, is adamant his future remains at the Etihad. Citing his growing confidence in their colours, Ake appears determined to push for more minutes under Guardiola in the forthcoming season.

Speaking to Dutch news outlet NOS, Ake said: “Last season (2020-21) was very unhappy due to injuries, I don’t really count that year. This season (2021-22) I was really 100% present and I played more. You notice an improvement in yourself, how you play. It felt good.

“I will go into the [new] season with that intention (to play for Man City). I will do everything I can to play even more.”

Nathan Ake has no reason to switch clubs

Despite knowing he could play even more football at Newcastle, Ake is on to a good thing at Manchester City. While he may face a tough battle for a shirt, the 19 starts he made in 2021/22 proves he is very much in Guardiola’s thinking.

Had he featured less, then a move away – and a reunion with Howe – might have seemed a good idea. But as it stands, Ake is getting games with City and is also in the international thinking of Holland.

And with a World Cup on the horizon, Nathan Ake will have confidence he can make Louis van Gaal’s squad for Qatar 2022.

Indeed, reading the comments of the player, you would not best against him forging a more permanent role in Guardiola’s side.

He has never let anyone down, even when asked to play at left-back.

And with a contract tying him to the Etihad until 2025, the 27-year-old still has time on his side to further cement his place in the side.

One man who has been linked as a replacement, Matthijs de Ligt, has seemingly made clear his transfer preferences amid links to City.