Fenerbahçe Istanbul has signed Nathan Aké from Manchester City. The Turkish club announced the transfer of the Dutch defender on Friday afternoon.
Following the Netherlands’ World Cup exit in the Round of 32 against Morocco (3–4 on penalty kicks), a chapter is also coming to a close for Nathan Aké at the club level: The 31-year-old is leaving Manchester City after nearly six years to join Fenerbahçe Istanbul. The defender is thus moving to the Bosphorus one year before his contract expires—Aké had extended his deal with the Sky Blues three years ago through 2027. As last season’s Turkish runner-up announced, World Cup participant Aké is expected to join Fenerbahçe Istanbul’s training camp in Austria after his vacation.
Title Collector Aké
With Manchester City, Aké won numerous titles, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, one Club World Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup. A particular highlight came at the end of the 2023 season when he lifted the Champions League trophy; Aké was in the starting lineup for the final against Inter Milan (1–0).
Aké’s soccer career began at Feyenoord Rotterdam before he was scouted by Chelsea FC. After loan stints at Reading FC, Watford FC, and AFC Bournemouth, the Cherries signed him permanently for 22.8 million euros. In 2020, Aké finally moved to Manchester for 45 million euros. Aké, who is versatile on the left side of defense, has 62 caps for the Oranje. At the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the 31-year-old made three appearances; in the Round of 32 against Morocco, he played for 71 minutes.